U.S. patent application number 11/825656 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for exercise weight equipment and methods of use.
Invention is credited to James Rand Minerva.
Application Number | 20090192025 11/825656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40899835 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090192025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minerva; James Rand |
July 30, 2009 |
Exercise weight equipment and methods of use
Abstract
This invention has to do with exercise weight equipment and is
concerned with exercise weight equipment that may be fastened to a
person's body during physical exercises. The exercise equipment
comprises a preferably U-shaped bracket having opposing sides and a
crossbar or rod that extends between and engages the opposing sides
of the U-shaped bracket. The crossbar is spaced away from the
U-shaped portion of the bracket so that the instep of a person's
foot may be engaged between the bar and the opposing U-Shaped
portion of the bracket. Strap means connect from one or both of the
opposing sides of the U-shaped bracket and extend so as to be able
to go around the ankle of a person using the equipment. Means for
fastening the strap mean extensions are provided and may take the
form of a buckle and belt means. The outer ends of the crossbar or
rod have means thereon for engaging and holding captive weights
that may be interchanged at will by the person exercising. Various
methods of exercise using the above equipment are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Minerva; James Rand;
(Jeannette, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lawrence R. Burns, Esquire
310 Coulter Building, 231 S. Main Street
Greensburg
PA
15601
US
|
Family ID: |
40899835 |
Appl. No.: |
11/825656 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4017 20151001;
A63B 23/0216 20130101; A63B 21/0726 20130101; A63B 21/0728
20130101; A63B 21/4015 20151001; A63B 21/4029 20151001; A63B
2208/0238 20130101; A63B 23/1218 20130101; A63B 21/4001 20151001;
A63B 21/075 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise weight assembly which comprises: a. An elongate rod
with opposing ends; b. A bracket having opposite facing sides and a
crosspiece joining said opposite facing sides; c. Means for
engaging said rod with said bracket so that said rod extends
between the opposing sides with each of its opposing ends extend
outwardly from each of said opposite facing sides so as to provide
weight engagement means for weights to be attached to said rod; d.
Fastening strap means attached between each side face of said
bracket and having attachment ends that co-operatively and
releasably engage with one another; e. said rod and said bracket
spaced so as to fit around the instep of a person's foot and said
strap positioned so as to hold said weight on the foot when said
attachment ends are connected.
2. The exercise weight assembly according to claim 1, which further
comprises an elongate resilient material surrounding said rod as it
extends between said opposing face sides.
3. The exercise weight assembly according to claim 1 which further
comprises a resilient abutment pad attached to one of the surfaces
of said crosspiece.
4. The exercise weight assembly according to claim 1 which further
comprises a swivel connectors on each side face of said u-shaped
bracket connecting to said strap means.
5. The weight assembly according to claim 1 which further comprises
threads on each of said rod ends for releasable co-operative
connection with threaded connectors for holding said weights
captive while a person performs exercises with said weight
assemblies.
6. An exercise weight assembly which comprises: a. An elongate rod
with opposing ends; b. A unshaped bracket having opposite facing
sides and a crosspiece joining said sides; c. said elongate rod
extending between and joining said opposite facing sides, with said
opposing ends of said rod extending outwardly from each of said
opposite facing sides so as to provide weight engagement means on
each opposing end of said rod; d. strap means co-operatively
connected to one of said bracket or said rod and having attachment
ends that co-operatively and releasably engage with one another. e.
said rod and said bracket spaced so as to fit around the instep of
a person's foot and said strap positioned so as to hold said weight
on the foot when said attachment ends are connected.
7. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a.
positioning oneself in a vertically moveable chair that has a seat
and back abutment surfaces; b. trapping individual weight
assemblies on each foot; c. moving the chair vertically so that
one's feet do not touch the ground; d. with the back abutting the
back abutment surface bend the knees slightly and lift the thighs
toward the chest; e. repeat said motion more that once; f. lower
said seat until your feet touch the floor; g. remove said weights
from said feet.
8. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a. sitting
on a bench with your feet on the floor; b. strapping individual
weights on each foot; c. grasping the bench or bench supports for
stability; d. leaning back until your spine is at about 45 degrees
to the bench; e. pulling your knees toward your chest while
bringing your spine to an upright position on the bench; f. holding
the previous position and then returning the upper body and your
knees to their original position; g. repeating said motion; h. and
removing the individual weights from the feet when finished.
9. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a.
attaching individual weight assemblies to each individual foot; b.
while standing straight grab an overhead chinning bar; c. bend your
knees until your body is supported only by the bar and your feet
are touching each other at the ankles; d. pull yourself up until
your chin is above the bar then slowly lower your body to its
original starting position; e. repeat this motion as desired; f.
place your feet on the floor and release your grip from the bar; g.
remove the individual weights from each individual foot.
10. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a.
strapping individual weights on each individual foot; b. lying on a
bench with your hips flat and grabbing the bench behind your head
for support; c. bending your hips and knees at approximately 90
degrees; d. pulling your hips and knees upward and inward; e.
pausing and then returning your hips and knees to their original
position; f. repeating this motion as desired; g. removing the
weights from each individual foot when finished with said exercise.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] To properly take care of ones physical condition, diet and
exercise are recommended on a systematic basis. Exercise may take
the form of running, walking, or repeat body exercises such as
pull-ups, push-ups, knee-bends, jumping jacks, etc, where only the
body itself is utilized working against gravity to perform the
exercises. In such exercises a large number of repetitions may be
necessary in order to challenge, strengthen and tone the muscles
involved in the exercise. Each exercise that a person performs may
only involve a small group of muscles. Many difference exercises
may be necessary to work the majority of muscles in a person's
body. A large number of repetitions for each set of muscles can be
quite time consuming on a daily basis. To cut down on the number of
repetitions, and therefore the time required and to challenge the
muscle groups involved in each exercise, weight training equipment
is used in conjunction with the exercises. Such weight training
equipment may take the form ranging from very complicated assembled
apparatus to individual weights that are hand held during the
exercises. Some of the exercises in weight training and fitness
require the person to hold a weight between their feet while they
exercise their leg portions or do other exercises with the
additional weight held between their feet. Holding the additional
weight between one's feet usually disturbs the concentration
necessary to perform the exercise properly and such distraction
takes away from the full effect of the exercise. In these
situations the weight used in the exercise may pose a danger, not
only to the person doing the exercise, but to other people in the
immediate surrounding area. Several arrangements to hold such
weights have been proposed. One of the prior methods of holding the
weight is to have a short dumbbell type weight usually a rod with
two opposing facing enlarged ends that may be held between by the
feet. The dumbbells is usually positioned with the enlarged upper
part of the dumbbell hitting the top instep of the foot and the
bottom part of the dumbbell extending below the soles of the feet
so that holding the feet together prevents the weight from falling
from the persons body during the exercise.
[0002] In addition, many exercises such as pull-ups, sit-ups, body
press, bench lifts, and other exercises can be enhanced if an
additional weight is held or added to the body. Where exercises
depend upon body weight alone to provide the load against which one
works in doing an exercise the body weight may be enhanced by
attaching or holding a weight between the feet or holding a bar
behind the knees. Where such exercises depend upon the ability of
the person doing the exercise to hold the weight it detracts from
the person's ability to concentrate on doing the exercise.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention disclosed herein has to do with exercise
weight equipment. The equipment comprises an elongate rod having
opposing ends that are preferably threaded. The rod is inserted
through perforations in oppositely facing sides of a U-shaped
bracket with the opposing ends extending outwardly from the sides
of the bracket. Preferably the central part of the rod is
surrounded by a resilient material on the portion that extends
between the opposite facing ends of the U-shaped bracket. The
U-shaped bracket has opposite facing sides and a crosspiece joining
said sides and preferably a abutment pad on the bottom of the
crosspiece. Strap means are provided attaching to one of the
crossbar or bracket and having co-operative elements of engagement
that releasably engage with one another to hold the weight on the
foot or other appendage of the person doing the exercise. The rod
and the bracket are spaced so as to fit around the instep of a
person's foot and the strap means are positioned so as to hold the
weight on the foot when the attachment ends are connected.
[0004] The invention further includes various methods of
exercising, on exercise comprises first positioning oneself in a
vertically upright stand that has horizontal arm rests and hand
grips upstanding from said arm rests. The individual weights are
then strapped on each foot and the person pulls himself upwardly so
that his feet are not touching the ground. The person then abuts
his back against the back of the vertical stand and bends his knees
slightly and lifts his thighs towards his chest and then returns
the knees and thighs to their original position. This motion is
then repeated as often as desired. Upon completion of the exercise
the person then lowers himself so that his feet may touch the
ground and the weights are unstrapped and removed from the each
individual foot.
[0005] The invention further contemplates the method of exercising
that comprises the steps of sitting on a bench with the person's
feet on the floor and strapping individual weights on each foot.
One then grasps the bench itself or bench supports for stability
while doing the exercise. The person then leans back until his
spine is at about 45 degrees to the plane of the seat bench. While
in this position the knees are pulled toward the chest while
bringing the spine to an upright position on the bench. This
position is then held for a short period of time and then the upper
body and the knees are returned to their original starting
position. This motion is repeated until the exercise is completed
and the individual weights are removed from each foot.
[0006] The invention further includes the method of exercising that
comprises first attaching individual weight assemblies to each
individual foot. While standing straight the person then grasps an
overhead chinning bar and then bends his knees until the body is
supported only by the bar and the feet are touching each other at
the ankles. The person then pulls himself until his chin is above
the chinning bar then slowly lowers his body to its original
starting position. After repeating the above motion as desired the
person then places his feet on the floor and releases his grasp
from the bar. The individual weights are then removed from each
foot.
[0007] The invention further comprises the method of exercising
that includes strapping individual weights on each individual foot
while lying on a bench with the hips flat. The person then grabs
the bench behind his head for support and bends his hips and knees
at approximately 90 degrees. In this position the person then pulls
his hips and knees upward and inward. This position is then held
for a period of time and then the knees and hips are returned to
the original starting position. This motion is then repeated as
desired until the exercise is finished and then the individual
weights are removed from the feet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective of the exercise weight assembly
according to the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the exercise weight assembly
according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of the exercise weight assembly
according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of the exercise weight assembly
according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of 5-5 through FIG. 3 of the
exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a sectional view 66 through FIG. 2 of the exercise
weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view 77 through FIG. 3 of the exercise
weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the padding of the exercise
weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an additional method of the
exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an additional method of the
exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional method of the
exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an additional method of the
exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe
and efficient weight assembly for use is daily exercise
routines.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a weight
that can be safely attached to one's body during daily
exercises.
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand
held weight assembly with a releasable strap that can be quickly
and efficiently strapped on and removed during daily exercises.
[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
of attachment for a weight so that a person may concentrate on the
performance of the weight exercises rather than on the holding of
the weight itself.
[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe,
comfortable and efficient weight assembly for use during daily
exercises.
[0025] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
method of weight training where one can concentrate more on the
weight training exercise that on the holding of the weight during
the exercise.
[0026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
weights that can be releasably strapped to a person's foot for
repetitive exercises.
[0027] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
interchangeable weight assemblies that can be strapped on a
person's appendages for repetitive weight exercises.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] What is shown in FIG. 1 is a weight equipment 10 according
to the present invention. The weight equipment 10 has a rod 12 that
has opposing ends 14 and 16. The opposing ends 14 and 16 preferably
have threads 15 formed thereon. The rod 12 joins with the U shaped
bracket 20 and the U shaped bracket 20 has two opposing sides 22
and 24 that face each other and are joined by a cross piece 26 so
that the sides 22 and 24 and cross piece 26 are shown as U shaped
when viewed in a side view. The U shaped bracket 20 has the rod 12
extending between and through the opposing sides 22 and 24 with
resilient material 30 is shown surrounding the rod member 12 as it
extends between the opposing sides 22 and 24. Outwardly on the ends
14 and 16 are the threads 15 of the rod member 12 and there is a
abutment element 40 that has centrally located cooperating elements
of threaded engagement with threads 15 on ends 14 and 16 so that it
may securely hold a weight 50 to the U shaped bracket. Weights 50
are shown on each side of the rod member 12 attached to each end 14
and 16. The end 14 again has threads 15 thereon and they
cooperatively engage threaded connectors 40 so that the weight 50
(phantom lines) may be held securely on the U shaped bracket. The U
shaped bracket also has strap means 60 that connect, to and extend
from, the sides 22 and 24 of the U shaped bracket. Shown at 62 and
64 are the swivel connectors that connect the strap means to the
opposing sides 22 and 24 of the U shaped bracket. The rod 12, U
shaped bracket 20 and straps 60 are spaced and arranged so that the
instep of a foot may be placed between the rod 12 and the cross
piece 26 of the U shaped bracket 20. The straps 60 may then fasten
around behind the heel of a person's foot. The straps 60 have
buckle or fastener means 61 and 63 with 61 having cooperative
elements of swivel fastening means 62, so as to hold the equipment
weight assembly on the foot of the person doing the exercise.
[0029] What is shown in FIG. 2 is again the weight assembly 10
according to the present invention having the opposing ends 14 and
16 of the rod 12 shown thereon. The threaded fasteners 40 are shown
connected on the ends 14 and 16 of the rod member 12. Weights 50
are shown mounted on the bar in adjacent contact with outwardly
facing abutment surfaces 55 formed by enlarge diameter portions on
the rod 12. The threaded connectors 40 hold the weights securely
against the abutment surfaces 55 when the exercise weight equipment
10 is in use. The resilient material 30 is shown surrounding the
rod member 12 intermediate of the enlarged diameter abutment
surfaces 55 and positioned so as to engage the instep of a person's
foot when weight assembly 12 is on a person's foot.
[0030] What is shown in FIG. 3 is a weight equipment assembly 10
again showing the weights 50 attached to both sides of the weight
assembly 10. The abutment elements 40 with cooperating elements of
threaded attachment are shown on each side of the cross bar 12
threadedly connecting to the opposing ends 14 and 16. The abutment
connectors 40 have a knurled other surface 41 for hand gripping so
as rotate the abutment element 40 on the ends 14 and 16 of the
cross piece 12. The abutment connectors 40 have an inner abutment
surface 73 that abuts the sides 75 of the weights 50. The weights
50 are firmly held between the outwardly facing abutment surfaces
shown at 77 on enlarged diameter 55 on the cross piece 12 and the
abutment surfaces 73 of the threaded elements 40. The strap means
60 is shown extending away from the cross piece 26 and having the
swivel connections shown at 80 so that the strap means 60 may
swivel in a 360 degree rotation around the U shaped bracket 20. The
cross bar 12 and the cross piece 26 and the strap means 60 are all
spaced so that a person may place the instep of their foot in the
confined area between surfaces 100 on the cross bar 12, 102 on the
cross piece 26 and 104 on the opposing side faces of the U shaped
bar.
[0031] What is shown in FIG. 4 is a side view of the Exercise
Weight Assembly Ten according to the present invention. Weights 50
are shown on the outermost end of the rod member 12 on which is
mounted the threaded abutment element 40. There are cooperating
elements of threaded engagement between threaded element 40 and the
rod 12. The rod 12 has threads 15, although threaded element 40 has
threads 115. The threaded element 40 may be releasably engaged with
the rod 12 by the cooperating elements of threaded connection
between 15 and 115. Opposing bracket side 22 is shown along with
the swivel element 62.
[0032] What is shown in FIG. 5 is the rod assembly 12 having the
threaded end means 15 with the weights 50 attached on each opposing
end. The threaded elements 40 are shown having inner abutment
surfaces at 73, and the resilient means 30 is shown extending over
the central part of the rod 12.
[0033] What is shown in FIG. 6 is the sectional view 6-6 through
FIG. 2 of the Exercise Weight Assembly Ten according to the present
invention. The rod 12 is shown having the threaded ends at 15 with
the threaded connectors 40 attached to each end of the rod 12.
Weights 50 are shown on each end of the rod in their oppositely
facing positions with the u-shaped bracket 20 shown having opposing
sides 22 and 24. A pad means 121 is placed on the downward facing
side of the unshaped bracket 20. The enlarged diameter portions 55
are shown with their outwardly facing abutment for surfaces 77 that
are designed to engage the sides of the weights 50 and hold the
weights 50 securely between the inwardly facing abutment surfaces
on threaded connectors 40 and the outwardly facing abutment surface
77 on the enlarged diameter portions of 55. The straps 61 are shown
extending away from the bracket 20 with the swivel connections 62
shown connecting the strap means 61 to the bracket 20 of the
present invention.
[0034] What is shown in FIG. 7 is the sectional view 7-7 through
FIG. 3 of the Exercise Weight Assembly 10 according to the present
invention. The weight 50 is shown on the one end with the threaded
connector 40. The rod 12 has threads 15 which cooperate with the
threaded connector 40 to hold the weight 50 on the weight assembly.
Swivel means 62 is shown on the one opposing side 24 and the lower
pad 121 is shown on the bottom part of the cross piece 26 so that
121 absorbs any impact that the weight may have with the floor.
[0035] What is shown in FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the padding of
the Exercise Weight Assembly 10 according to the present invention.
The resilient padding 230 preferably has a longitudinal split as is
shown at 210, the longitudinal split allowing the resilient
material 230 to have a central hollow diameter 212 that will snugly
fit around the diameter of the rod 12. With the slit 210 the
resilient member 230 may be slipped on and off of the rod 12 as is
desired. A releasable outer material 214 on the resilient member
230 provides a captive holding force to hold the outer material 214
on the bar 12. Longitudinal Velcro fasteners, shown at 215 and 216
releasably hold the outer material 214 on resilient member 230.
[0036] What is shown in FIG. 9 is a person 300 standing with the
feet shoulder width apart 310, grasping the dumbbells one in each
hand with the palms forward and arms extended straight down; elbows
slightly bent. The person is gripping the dumbbells firmly and
without body swaying, curling their arms with the dumbbells 10
upwardly until they come close to the shoulders, exhaling as the
person curls. The person then returns their arms slowly and
smoothly to the starting position while inhaling.
[0037] What is shown in FIG. 10 is a person 300 who has obtained a
power tower station 320. The person at 300 may then while standing
place their forearms on the arm supports 322 and grip the hand
grips 350 while their forearms are on the arm support 322 and while
gripping the hand supports 350, they may then raise their body off
the ground after they have strapped the weights 310 on each of
their feet. While the person has the weights strapped to his feet,
he may bend his knees slightly and lift their thighs toward their
chest. They may then, after lifting their thighs toward their
chest, they may then relax and let their thighs go again towards
the floor; by repeating this action, one is able to strength and
tone certain muscles in the body.
[0038] What is in FIG. 11 is a person 300 sitting backwards on a
bench press, bench with weights 310 strapped around athletic shoes
315. Hands grasped around vertical weight supports 340. The person
then leans back at about a 45 degree angle with weights 310 about
12 inches off floor, while in this position the knees are pulled
towards the chest simultaneously as the upper body is brought back
to the vertical position forming a rowing crunch and exhaling
though the entire motion. This position is held briefly. Then by
the person 300 grasping around the vertical weight supports 340,
one can slowly return to the starting position inhaling the total
motion. After repeating the above motions, for desired repetitions,
the person 300 lowers the weights 310 back to the floor and is
sitting in an upright position.
[0039] What is shown in FIG. 12 is a person 300 with weights 310
strapped around athletic shoes 315 while standing straight. Said
person 300 then grasps an over or under handgrip on the pull-up bar
380 with hands about shoulder width apart. Then person 300 bends
their knees so that feet are not touch the floor, and all weight is
supported by grip on pull-up bar 380. Then the person 300 pulls him
or her self up until their chin crosses the horizontal plane of the
pull-up bar 380, exhaling the total motion, after a brief pause,
the person 300 slowly lowers their body down to the original
starting position inhaling the total motion. After repeating the
above motions for desired repetitions, the person 300 places feet
back on floor and releases grip from bar 380.
[0040] What is shown in FIG. 13 is a person 300 lying with back and
hips flat against a bench 305 with elbows pointed toward the sky
and knees bent at a round a 90 degree angle with weights 310 just
off bench 305. In this position, the person 300 pulls their knees
and hips upward and inward and rolls their torso until their knees
just about touch their chest, exhaling the entire motion after a
brief pause. The person 300 then slowly lowers their torso back to
the starting position inhaling the entire motion. After repeating
repetitions the person 300 then places feet on floor and sits in an
upright position.
* * * * *