Hand-held centripetal exercise device.

[0001] This invention relates in general to hand-held exercise devices and more specifically to such devices intended to be swung in a rotational manor. The process of swinging this device produces resistance in the form of kinetic reaction to inertia, gravity, and centripetal force. The invention acts as a hand-held exercise device employing centripetal resistance for use in conjunction with overall physical fitness, muscular strengthening and conditioning, joint flexibility, coordinated movement, and physical rehabilitation.

[0002] The benefits of exercise are well known for an individual's health and well being. While there are many opportunities to exercise there exists a need to exercise without cumbersome or complex equipment. Over the years many hand-held devices have been developed to aid in the quest to achieve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Most such devices are prohibitively complicated for wide spread adoption as these patents illustrate.

[0003] Shahinian U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,640 discloses a extended centripetal rotator exercise device with a elongated tubular member such that when the device is grasped at each end and moved toward and away the end members move circularly relative to the tube.

[0004] Dantolan U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,002 discloses a hollow metal tube with a hand grip on its upper end and a rotatable weight on its lower end. When holding the hand grip and moving the rotatable weight, one can exercise various portions of the body.

[0005] Petrosky U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,950 discloses a device providing two tubular structures and a solid cylindrical bar through a shorter tubular structure which is secured to a perpendicular longer tubular structure. The exerciser is manipulated through a repetitive hand, wrist or arm motion while holding the shorter tubular section.

[0006] See also

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,703 B1 Portable exercise device.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 0,096,200 A1 Device and method for exercising a body part of a person.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,975 B1 Dumbbell assembly with rotatable weight members.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,423 A Gyroscopic weight training devices.

[0011] Additionally there are many hand-held devices intended for use while the body is in ambulatory. Here again, these devices are either overly complicated, and/or do little to enhance the basic exercise.

[0012] For example: Byrd U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,447 discloses an enlarged, hollow, spherically shaped body having diametrically opposed apertures which permit access to the interior of the body for the storage of items useful to the jogger.

[0013] Heck U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,401 entitled Hand-held Aid for Human Locomotion, wherein is described a lightweight, rigid, non-compressible device which is held in the hand and which aids in locomotion.

[0014] WO 1 992004954 A1 discloses a ambulatory exercise device which comprises a flexible elongated rod, selectively weighted, such that the rod is capable of sustaining controlled, rhythmical and periodic oscillation corresponding roughly to the natural movements of an exercisers arm.

[0015] See also

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,057 Arm exerciser for runners.

[0017] Objects

[0018] The object of this invention is to provide a safe, simple, and fun apparatus for upper body exercise. When swinging the device in a rotational arc the resultant centripetal force is transmitted as physical resistance upon the users' neuromusculoskeletal system. This resistance produces a safe and effective low-impact form of exercise. Benefits of swinging the device include strengthening, toning, and increasing muscle and joint flexibility in the upper body. Benefits may be achieved while standing, walking, or jogging.

[0019] Advantages

[0020] 1) The devices simplistic design and function lends itself to users seeking a new or renewed interest in exercise.

[0021] 2) Its design allows for the manipulation of a natural phenomenon (centripetal force) to be utilized in a daily fitness regimen. Use of the device produces a physical engagement, variety, and enjoyment not found when performing the same motions without the device.

[0022] 3) When the device is used while the body is in forward motion, there is an increase in coordination between the movements of the upper and lower body and a strengthening and toning of the user's core muscle groups.

[0025] A hand-held centripetal exercise device comprising two parts 1, 2 FIG. 1. A inner ball 2, is encased by a outer sphere 1 as shown in FIG. 2. The outer shell is typically constructed by attaching two hemispheres. Typically the outer shell 1 is of a diameter which provides a optimal fit in the palm of the hand. Typically the inner ball 2 is singular, solid, and with a mass to match the requirements of the user.

[0026] Hemispheres, when used, may be permanently attached, i.e. welding, or they may be attached such that separating allows for the inner ball to be exchanged. Changing the inner ball allows the user to change weight therefore varying the consequent effects.

[0027] When swung in a rotational motion a centripetal force is created producing a low-impact resistance exercise. The user can vary the size and direction of the rotations to target desired muscle groups. Exchanging the inner ball allows the user to vary the weight and therefore the level of resistance.

[0028] When used while the body is ambulatory. The device acts to engage the shoulders, torso, and hips, enhancing the effects of the body's drive through space.

[0029] Being simple in materials and construction, the device has a utility that is unique and not found in any other hand-held exercise devices. That it is used in a rotational motion produces a safe, effective and low-impact form of exercise. That it promotes a coordination of movement between body parts enhances the users' engagement and level of enjoyment.