U.S. patent application number 14/955797 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for dynamic weight training apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is David A. Kugielsky. Invention is credited to David A. Kugielsky.
Application Number | 20160151657 14/955797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56078521 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160151657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kugielsky; David A. |
June 2, 2016 |
DYNAMIC WEIGHT TRAINING APPARATUS
Abstract
A dynamic weight training apparatus is disclosed herein for
improved calorie burning and muscle toning. The weight training
apparatus generally includes a pendulum mass suspended, e.g., via a
flexible shaft, from a handle or other securing mechanism. A user
swings the weight in a pendulum motion when exercising (walking,
jogging, stationary, sitting or standing) providing for increased
resistance. A flexible shaft may advantageously dampen/reduce shock
and strain associated with the pendulum motion.
Inventors: |
Kugielsky; David A.;
(Newtown, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kugielsky; David A. |
Newtown |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56078521 |
Appl. No.: |
14/955797 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13544990 |
Jul 9, 2012 |
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14955797 |
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61505283 |
Jul 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00058 20130101;
A63B 21/00196 20130101; A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 21/026 20130101; A63B
21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/00072 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20060101
A63B021/072; A63B 23/035 20060101 A63B023/035; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1) A dynamic weight training apparatus comprising: a pendulum mass;
a handle; and a connection arm wherein the pendulum mass is
suspended a distance from the handle by way of the connection arm,
whereby a pendulum motion of the pendulum mass is configured to
impart a torsion force proximal to the securing mechanism, and
wherein an angle between the handle and the connection arm is
configured such that the pendulum mass is extended away from the
handle substantially in-line with a user's forearm when the user
grips the handle and the user's wrist is in a substantially neutral
position.
2) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection arm exhibits
elastic properties and acts as one of (i) a damper and (ii) a
spring to dampen store or redistribute energy from a swinging
motion of the mass.
3) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the connection
arm is adjustable.
4) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexibility of the
connection arm is adjustable.
5) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mass is integral with the
connection arm.
6) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection arm extends
from a bottom portion of the handle.
7) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a weight of the mass is
adjustable.
8) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a balance of the mass is
adjustable.
9) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pendulum mass is suspended
a fixed distance from the handle.
10) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pendulum mass is
suspended a variable distance from the handle.
11) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection arm provides
torsional resistance as between the pendulum mass and the
handle.
12) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connection arm comprises a
rigid lever.
13) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angle between the handle
and the connection arm is configured such that torsional forces are
substantially zero when the handle is gripped by the user with the
user's wrist and arm in neutral position.
14) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angle between the handle
and the connection arm is between 80-100 degrees.
15) A method for exercising, the method comprising: providing a
dynamic weight training apparatus including a pendulum mass
suspended a distance from a handle via a connection arm wherein an
angle between the handle and the connection arm is configured such
that the pendulum mass is extended away from the handle
substantially in-line with a user's forearm when the user grips the
handle and the user's wrist is in a substantially neutral position;
and performing an exercise so as to cause the pendulum weight to
swing in a pendulum motion, thereby imparting a torsion force
proximal to the securing mechanism.
16) The method of claim 15, wherein the connection arm is a rigid
lever.
17) The method of claim 15, wherein the connection arm is flexion
lever which exhibits elastic properties and acts as one of (i) a
damper and (ii) a spring to dampen store or redistribute energy
from a swinging motion of the mass.
18) The method of claim 15, wherein the connection arm provides
torsional resistance as between the pendulum mass and the
handle.
19) The method of claim 15, wherein the pendulum motion results
from the natural swinging motion of a user's arm while walking.
20) The method of claim 15, wherein the angle between the handle
and the connection arm is configured such that torsional forces are
substantially zero when the handle is gripped by the user with the
user's wrist and arm in neutral position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The subject application claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part (CIP) of copending U.S. application Ser. No.
13/544,990, entitled "Dynamic Weight Training Apparatus" and filed
on Jul. 9, 2012, which, in turn, claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/505,283, also entitled "Dynamic
Weight Training Apparatus" and filed on Jul. 7, 2011. The contents
of both U.S. application Ser. No. 13/544,990 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/505,283 are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to personal fitness devices
and, more particularly, to weight training.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Weights are widely used for personal fitness. Conventional
weights are generally held or otherwise secured in a static
relationship relative to the hand, wrist, ankle or other body part.
Although conventional weights provide some resistance a need exists
for weight training apparatus that deliver higher efficiency
workouts (i.e., burning calories at a higher rate for the same
amount of weight). Furthermore conventional weights are typically
high impact and can lead to injuries. Thus, a need exists for
weight training apparatus that actively reduce/dampen changes in
momentum as well as grip-related strain. These and other needs are
addressed by the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0006] A dynamic weight training apparatus is disclosed herein for
improved calorie burning and muscle toning. The weight training
apparatus generally includes a pendulum mass suspended, e.g., via a
flexible shaft from a handle or other securing mechanism. A user
swings the weight in a pendulum motion when exercising (walking,
jogging, stationary, sitting or standing) providing for increased
resistance. The flexible shaft may also advantageously
dampen/reduce shock and strain associated with the pendulum
motion.
[0007] Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed
apparatus will be apparent from the description which follows,
particularly when read in conjunction with the appended
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and
using the disclosed apparatus, reference is made to the appended
figures, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary dynamic weight training
apparatus, according to the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts alternative embodiments of a dynamic weight
training apparatus including different configurations for the mass,
connection arm (e.g., flexible shaft) and securing mechanism (e.g.,
handle), according to the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary mechanism for adjusting a
position or balance of a pendulum mass in an exemplary dynamic
weight training apparatus, according to the present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 4A-G depict another exemplary dynamic weight training
apparatus, according to the present disclosure, including an
optimal angle between the handle and the connection arm.
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of a dynamic weight
training apparatus, accordingly to the present disclosure,
providing for an adjustable angle between the handle and the
connection arm.
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of a dynamic weight
training apparatus, accordingly to the present disclosure,
providing for interchangeable weight elements.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0015] The present disclosure related to a new dynamic weight
training apparatus comprising a pendulum mass suspended a distance
from a securing mechanism using a connection arm. In exemplary
embodiments, the connection arm may exhibit elastic properties and
act as a damper and spring to dampen, store and/or redistribute
energy from a swinging motion of the mass. In general, the securing
mechanism, e.g., handle, strap, band, belt, and/or other securing
mechanism, may be adapted for securing the weight training
apparatus relative to a user (e.g., the user may grip the handle).
In exemplary embodiments, the dynamic weight training apparatus may
similarly to a hand weight, e.g., for walking, running, or other
forms of stationary or mobile exercise. By distancing the mass from
the users' body and allowing for a dynamic swinging motion (e.g.,
such as resulting from the natural swinging motion of a user's arm
while walking, running or performing other exercises), the distance
the mass has to travel is increased relative to conventional hand
weights. The resulting torsion force provides increased exercise
resistance. In exemplary embodiments, the weight training apparatus
may include a mechanism for adjusting the length of the shaft or
the length of the securing mechanism (e.g., length of the handle)
or for otherwise adjusting the distance between the mass and the
fulcrum of the swinging motion (thereby adjusting the lever arm).
In other exemplary embodiments, the weight training apparatus may
include a mechanism for adjusting the flexibility of the flexible
shaft. In exemplary embodiments, the mass and/or shaft may be
interchangeable (e.g., the mass could be changed to increase or
decrease resistance).
[0016] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary dynamic weight
training apparatus 100 is depicted. The exemplary apparatus 100,
depicted includes a securing mechanism 110 for gripping the
apparatus 100 (e.g., one in each hand), a mass 140 (e.g., a two
pound sprug weight), and a connecting arm 130 (e.g., a shaft made
of molded rubber, nylon or plastic rod, flexible bar-stock) for
connecting the mass 140 relative to the handle 110. Advantageously,
the arm 130 suspends the mass 140 a distance (e.g., a predetermined
set or variable distance) from the handle thereby acting as a lever
arm. Thus, during exercise, the weight 140 advantageously results
in a torsion force/resistance, e.g., proximal to the handle and by
extension, wrist, elbow, shoulder, etc., wherein the torsion
force/resistance at the handle is approximately equal to the cross
product between the force exerted by the mass (mass times
acceleration) and the length of the lever arm. Thus, the apparatus
100 advantageously utilizes mechanical advantage to create
increased apparent resistance resulting in elevated physical
exertion, e.g., relative to hand weights of similar weight.
[0017] The mass 140 may be made of any suitable material, e.g.,
metal, water, sand, metal-shot, etc. In some embodiments, the mass
140 may include a casing for holding weight elements, e.g., with
sand, water, rocks, metal-shot, beads, etc. In some embodiments,
the casing may be used to house a fluid, e.g., water or sand. The
fluid may flow freely within the casing thereby dampening shifts in
momentum. In exemplary embodiments, the casing may include an
opening, e.g. a sealable opening, to allow the user to selectively
fill the casing with weight elements to achieve a desired weight.
In some embodiments, the mass 140 may be adjustable or
interchangeable, e.g., to enable adjusting weight and/or
balance.
[0018] In some embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 1, the
securing mechanism 110 may be a handle 110 and may further include
a handle base 112 and a wrist strap 114 for securing the apparatus
100 relative to a user's wrist. The wrist strap 114 may
advantageously increase comfort and stability and allow for grip
relaxation/adjustment (grip relaxation may be important decrease
blood pressure). The wrist strap 114 may advantageously pivot
relative to the handle 110 (e.g., handle base 112 may include a
hinge for hingedly connecting the wrist strap 114 relative to the
handle base 112) thereby allowing for wrist flexion during
exercise. In exemplary embodiments, the handle 110 may be offset at
an angel relative to the arm 130 to allow for ergonomic positioning
thereof (e.g., wherein the arm 130 is perpendicular to the ground
when the handle 110 is held be a user in a natural position with
the user's forearm 50 parallel to the ground).
[0019] In some embodiments, the arm 130 may be a flexion lever
(e.g., a flexible shaft). The flexion lever may advantageously
dampen forces resulting from sudden changes momentum thereby
reducing shock and strain on a user's joints and muscles. In other
embodiments, the arm 130 may be a rigid lever (e.g. a rigid shaft).
In some embodiments, the arm 130 may resist both tension and
compression. In other embodiments, the arm 130 may resist only
tension (e.g., a rope, cord, bungee, etc. In some embodiments, the
arm 130 may be fixed in length. In other embodiments, the arm 130
may have an adjustable and/or variable length. For example, the arm
130 may be interchangeable, e.g., to allow a user to change
properties such as length, flexibility, etc. As another example the
arm 130 may include a telescopic mechanism, links for adding or
subtracting, and/or other mechanisms for adjusting the length of
the arm. As yet another example, the arm 130 may include a spring
mechanism to allow the arm to stretch and/or compress, e.g., within
set constraints. In some embodiments, stretching and compressing
may result in elastic forces which resist such changes in length.
In yet other embodiments, the arm 130 may be interchangeable. The
material for the arm 130 may be selected based on desired
elastic/damping properties. In exemplary embodiments, the arm 130
may have adjustable elastic/damping properties (in some embodiments
the arm 130 could have ability to lock-out any flexibility thus
resulting in a rigid member). In some embodiments, the mass 140 may
be an integral part of the arm 130, e.g., the arm 130 may in itself
be the mass 140.
[0020] As noted above, the dynamic weight training apparatus 100
may advantageously help a user burn more calories and achieve a
better work-out when compared with conventional hand weights of the
same mass. Additional advantages are listed below: [0021] By
exercising with a pendulum mass suspended from a securing
mechanism, a user may experience a unique sensation relative
conventional exercise equipment. This sensation is notably
different than that achieved using hand weights. [0022] The
pendulum weight may advantageously result in a torsion
force/resistance which provides greater resistance during exercise,
e.g., relative to hand weights of similar weight. [0023] Natural
arm motion may be amplified by path the pendulum mass. [0024]
Spring and damping effects of the mass and/or connecting arm may
reduce/eliminate most shock to wrist. [0025] Spring and damping
effects may also add consistency to resistance throughout arm
movement (e.g., similar to swimming). [0026] Energy may be stored
from each arm stroke and used to actively resist follow-on motion
e.g., after reversal. [0027] Compared to conventional hand weights,
a smaller weight may be utilized while providing the same
resistance as a much larger weight. [0028] An ergonomic/balanced
design e.g., based on a properly configured handle and wrist strap,
may result in a lower impact workout. For example, a relative angle
of a handle to the connecting arm may result in a more natural
position, therefore reducing stress to hand and wrist. [0029] Users
may control the intensity of their workout without carrying more
weight, e.g., simply by adjusting the length of the lever arm.
[0030] The apparatus may promote natural arm movement during
exercise, e.g., by complimenting natural walking motion. [0031]
Adjustable straps may allow a user to release/relax their grip,
e.g., to relax the neck and shoulders and/or lower blood pressure,
tension or stress. [0032] The pendulum weight and flexion lever may
provide dynamic resistance and may redistribute/dampen jarring
forces (such as encountered when reversing motion of the mass).
[0033] The weight training apparatus may be used to all types of
exercises including, e.g., walking exercises, running exercises,
stationary/seated exercises, etc. [0034] The weight training
apparatus may minimize/reduce potential for strain and/or shock
induced injuries. [0035] In cased of emergency, the weight training
apparatus may be used for self-defense, e.g., by swinging the mass
at an attacker. [0036] The adjustable nature of the weight training
apparatus may be used to optimize/customize physical exercise.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, two alternative
embodiments 200 b and 200 b of a dynamic weight training apparatus
are presented. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2A, the connection
arm 230 a may extend from a top or side portion of the securing
mechanism 210 a rather than a bottom portion, as in FIG. 1. In
other embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 2B, the mass 240 b may be
screwed onto the connection arm 230 b, e.g., using a screw
mechanism 220 b, to enable interchangeability of the mass. Thus, as
noted above, in exemplary embodiments, the weight training
apparatus may have ability to interchange weights to allow consumer
to add or remove weight, e.g., based on ability, comfort level,
exercise type, etc.
[0038] As noted above, in the embodiments, the weight training
apparatus could be adjustable to change the position/balance of the
mass. With reference to FIG. 3, a further exemplary embodiment 300
of a dynamic weight training apparatus is presented enabling a user
to adjust the position/balance of the mass 340. More particularly,
the apparatus in FIG. 3 include a locking hinge mechanism 320 for
adjusting the angle between the securing mechanism 310 and the
connection arm 330, thereby adjusting the relative position/balance
of the mass 340.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 4A, a further exemplary embodiment
400 of a dynamic weight training apparatus is depicted. The
exemplary apparatus 400, depicted includes a securing mechanism 410
for gripping the apparatus 400 (e.g., one in each hand), a mass 440
and a connecting arm 430 for connecting the mass 440 relative to
the handle 410. Advantageously, the arm 430 suspends the mass 440 a
distance (e.g., a predetermined set or variable distance) from the
handle thereby acting as a lever arm. Thus, during exercise, the
weight 440 advantageously results in a torsion force/resistance,
e.g., proximal to the handle and by extension, wrist, elbow,
shoulder, etc., wherein the torsion force/resistance at the handle
is approximately equal to the cross product between the force
exerted by the mass (mass times acceleration) and the length of the
lever arm.
[0040] As depicted in FIG. 4A, the securing mechanism 410 may be a
handle 410 which may be operatively connected relative to the arm
430 at a proximal portion 432 thereof, e.g., relative to a first
side of the arm 430. A wrist strap 414 may also be included for
securing the apparatus 100 relative to a user's wrist. The wrist
strap 414 may advantageously increase comfort and stability and
allow for grip relaxation/adjustment (grip relaxation may be
important decrease blood pressure). As depicted, the wrist strap
414 may advantageously be connected relative to the proximal
portion 432 of the arm 430, e.g., via a slot in the proximal
portion 432 of the arm 430. In some embodiments, the slot may be
wider than the wrist strap 414 thereby allowing the wrist strap 414
to translate along the path of the slot. In some embodiments, the
slot may define an arcuate or curved path for thee wrist strap 414
thereby enabling the wrist strap 414 to pivot relative to the arm
430, e.g., during such translation along the path of the slot. In
other embodiments, the wrist strap 414 may be constructed from a
flexible material thereby allowing for pivoting thereof. As noted
above, such pivoting of the wrist strap may advantageously provide
for wrist flexion during exercise. Moreover, the wrist strap 414
and slot may advantageously be configured to resist twisting, e.g.,
that is out of plane relative to the swing plane of the weight
training apparatus (e.g., as defined by the swinging motion of the
weight training apparatus). This may, e.g., help maintain proper
alignment of the handle 410 relative to a user's hand even when the
handle 410 is not gripped (e.g., released).
[0041] As depicted, the handle 410 is advantageously offset at an
angel relative to the arm 430 to allow for ergonomic positioning
thereof. In contrast with the embodiment 100 of FIG. 1 (wherein the
angle is configured such that the arm 130 is substantially
perpendicular to the ground when the handle 110 is held be a user
in a natural position with the user's forearm 50 parallel to the
ground), the angle in the embodiment 400 of FIG. 4A is configured
to maintain substantial alignment of the arm 430 with a user's
forearm 50 when the handle 410 is gripped with the user's wrist in
neutral position. More particularly, as depicted in FIG. 4B, the
arm 430 may define a longitudinal axis 430 a which is configured to
align with a user's elbow joint 55 when the handle 410 is gripped
with the user's wrist in neutral position. The angle between the
handle 410 and the arm 430 may further be configured such that the
moment (torsional forces) are substantially zero when the handle
410 is gripped with the user's wrist and arm in neutral position
(e.g., arm hanging by the user's side, with the elbow slightly bent
and the wrist by the user's pocket).
[0042] With reference still to FIG. 4A, the arm 430 may
advantageously be structurally configured to resist bending forces,
particularly, in the direction of torsional forces imparted by the
mass 440. Thus, the arm 430 may include pair of support struts 434
and 436 extending at an acute angle relative to one another from a
distal portion 433 of the arm 430 connected via an arcuate section
438 at the proximal portion 432 of the arm 430, thereby forming a
substantially triangle-shaped support structure. The struts 434 and
436 and arcuate section 438 may further define an annulus, e.g., an
annular protrusion around an outer circumference of the arm 430. A
cutout or cavity portion 431 may advantageously reduce the overall
weight of the arm 430.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 4C, the exemplary embodiment 400 is
depicted suspended from user's wrist by the wrist strap 414 with
the user not gripping (e.g., having released) the handle 410.
Advantageously, the wrist strap 414 is configured such that the
handle 410 is aligned with the forearm of the user when the users
forearm is parallel to the ground and the eight training apparatus
is suspended from the user's wrist via the wrist strap 414. This
advantageously, enables a user to release the handle 410 and
perform usual hand operations around the caudal region of the user,
such as talking on the phone, wiping one's face, blowing one's
nose, adjusting one's hat or scarf, etc. without the handle 410 or
other parts of the weight training apparatus getting in the way of
such operations. Advantageously, once the user's arm is lowed to a
neutral position (e.g., arm hanging by the user's side, with the
elbow slightly bent and the wrist by the user's pocket) the handle
maintains alignment relative to the ground (substantially parallel
to the ground) with the wrist strap 414 allowing for pivoting of
the handle 410 relative the user's wrist and forearm such that the
handle 410 is easily gripped/re-gripped by the user.
[0044] FIG. 4D depicts a user adjusting the wrist strap 414 of the
exemplary embodiment 400. Thus the wrist strap may advantageously
include a buckle/clasp element 414 c which advantageously enable
the size of the wrist strap 414 to be adjusted. A distal end 414 b
of the strap may then be secured, e.g., utilizing a Velcro
material, a clip or other securing means. The wrist strap 414 may
further advantageously include a padded portion/region 414 a for
comfort purposes. For example, a rubber or gel type pad may be
threaded through the strap.
[0045] FIG. 4E depicts a user utilizing the exemplary embodiment
400 of the weight training apparatus. In particular, FIG. 4E
depicts how the angle of the handle 410 relative to the arm 430 of
the weight training apparatus compliments natural arm swing when
used in a walking motion. By extending the distance of weight 440
further from elbow joint, a smaller mass creates the same or
greater torque as a larger hand-held mass.
[0046] FIG. 4F depicts exemplary dimensions and for the exemplary
embodiment 400. Namely, the lever arm distance, from the handle 410
to the weight 440 (e.g., from a proximal end of the handle to a
distal end of the weight) may be approximately 10'', or in some
embodiments, between 7-13'', or preferably between 8-12'' or more
preferably between 9-11''. In example embodiments, the length of
the arm 430 may be approximately, 7'' or, in some embodiments,
between 5-9'' or more preferably between 6-8''. In example
embodiments, the angle between the handle 410 and the arm 430 may
be approximately 90 degrees, (e.g., 94 degrees), or in some
embodiments, between 70-110 degrees or more preferably between
80-100 degrees.
[0047] FIG. 4G depicts a pull apart view of the exemplary
embodiment 400 illustrating example assembly components thereof. A
main body 450 (e.g., which may be constructed of a pair of
injection molded half body components) may define the arm 430, a
post portion 410 a of the handle 410 and a (e.g., cylindrical)
housing 440 a of the weight 440. The handle 410 may further include
a (e.g., cylindrical) handle padding element 410b which may fit
over and be secured to the post portion 410 a via an handle end
clip 410 c. As previously noted, a wrist strap 414 may be included
which may include a strap portion 414 d a buckle/clasp element 414
c and a padded portion/region 414 a for comfort purposes. The
weight 440 may be assembled by securing a mass 440 b in the housing
440 a via a pair of housing end pieces 440 c which may be secured
via a screw or other securing means 440 d. The screw or other
securing means 440 d may be hidden via a plug 440e.
[0048] FIG. 5 depicts a further exemplary embodiment 500 of a
weight training apparatus, according to the present disclosure. The
exemplary embodiment 500 demonstrates a locking mechanism to adjust
the angle between the handle and the arm.
[0049] FIG. 6 depicts yet a further exemplary embodiment 600 of a
weight training apparatus, according to the present disclosure. The
exemplary embodiment 600 demonstrates the ability to add or remove
various weight pucks. These pucks can be of different weight to
achieve more or less resistance dependent on the user's
preference.
[0050] In exemplary embodiments, weight training apparatus of the
present disclosure may be used for Dumbbell Weight exercises. In
further exemplary embodiments, weight training apparatus of the
present disclosure may be incorporated into a jump rope design,
e.g. with the pendulum weight being suspended from the jump rope
handles. In further exemplary embodiments, weight training
apparatus of the present disclosure may generate electrical energy,
e.g., based on the pendulum motion of the mass, using a
piezoelectric transformer. In further exemplary embodiments, weight
training apparatus of the present disclosure may include built in
electronics, e.g., an MP3 player. In further exemplary embodiments,
weight training apparatus of the present disclosure may have built
in mace or pepper spray.
[0051] Although the teachings herein have been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments and implementations thereof, the
disclosed apparatus are not limited to such exemplary
embodiments/implementations. Rather, as will be readily apparent to
persons skilled in the art from the description taught herein, the
disclosed apparatus are susceptible to modifications, alterations
and enhancements without departing from the spirit or scope hereof.
Accordingly, all such modifications, alterations and enhancements
within the scope hereof are encompassed herein.
* * * * *