US 5,342,268 AGrant

Exercise Devices

Issue Date:1994-08-30

•11 Claims

•30 Drawing Sheets

Abstract

An exercise device is intended for strengthening a user's targeted muscle, wherein the user may manipulate the device without the necessity of a forceful grip that employs the user's conjunctive muscles. The device includes a housing having a pair of diametrically-opposed portions. The housing has an opening formed therein defined by the walls of the device. A weight is disposed in the housing. A nipple and hole arrangement is provided for keying the portions of the housing together. Ventilation slots and an internal cut-out are provided for improving air flow through the device, so as to avoid the build-up of heat therein.

Metadata

Assignee

DAR Products Corporation

Inventor

Scott Caruthers

Application Information

Application Number:US 8909431

Filing Date:1992-05-29

Priority Date:1987-09-14

Art Unit:332

Classifications

IPC:

A63B 21075

Field of Search:

482D2144;45;46;47;48;49;50;94;105;108;106;109;139197;198

Patent Drawings (30 sheets)

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise devices, and more particularly, to exercise devices intended for the accelerated development and strengthening of a user's targeted muscle or muscles, as well as a method for the assembly and production of the exercise devices.

Background of the Invention

The use of specialized equipment and various mechanical apparatuses for strengthening muscles is well known. Moreover, the desirability of providing a device which is capable of isolating and developing a specifically targeted muscle, one of the most common of which is the bicep, has also been long recognized.

However, one of the most troublesome problems presented with providing a device that can isolate and fully develop a muscle, such as the bicep, is that any sort of gripping and grasping action with the hand automatically employs the conjunctive muscles of the arm, including the forearm, tricep and deltoid. The same problem is encountered for the exercise and strengthening of other muscles in the body.

Unfortunately, each of the apparatuses and devices resorted to in the prior art for developing a specifically targeted muscle, such as the bicep, provide for some sort of handle which must be gripped and/or grasped by the user thereof. Examples of these devices are enumerated as follows:

This gripping and/or grasping action required by each of these devices is a definite disadvantage, since it involves the use of conjunctive muscles which prevents isolation required for the total development of the targeted muscle.

More specifically, every piece of exercise equipment or mechanical apparatus heretofore resorted to in the prior art invariably contains one common detractive denominator inherent within its design. Whatever else is intended--whether barbell, dumbbell, or one of the various exercise machines designed for total fitness--there exists some sort of handle which must be grasped in order to use the device. Quite clearly, one must hold onto a handle to make the device work. This action of holding the handle automatically and necessarily employs the conjunctive (adjoining) muscles. Such "helper" muscles actually take away from the isolation required for full development of any specifically targeted muscle.

This detractive denominator occurs because of the physiological structure of the human body. A precise interface of cardiovascular, neural-nervous system, respiratory, and muscular function is adequate to carry the average person through their normal daily activity. However, this interface is simply not sufficient to create an above average (or dynamic) physique. Combined with the time constraints that typically discourage regular exercise, the obvious result is a rather large population group composed of "ordinary" (somewhat less than splendidly developed) individuals.

In said U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,669, the inventor disclosed an exercising device which an individual can utilize and manipulate without the necessity of grasping. In this device, weights and fillers are disposed in a casing having a constant outer diameter (O.D.). The ratio of weights to fillers is varied for varying the weight of the device. The weight casing is housed in a housing which includes a pair of body portions that are joined together by a keying means. The keying means includes an arcuate rib which is formed on the peripheral edge of each of the body portions and which mates with one another when the body portions are brought together. Thereafter, the peripheral edges are glued, ultrasonically welded or otherwise integrally joined.

While successfully providing a device which may be manipulated without grasping, this device can be improved on by providing an improved arrangement wherein the assembly and the disassembly of the body portions of the device is facilitated, for example, to provide easier access to the weight means therein, so that said means may be changed or selectively varied, as desired.

The device may also be improved by providing a means that minimizes and, where possible, reduces the build-up of heat within the device, including the internal chambers thereof, which can easily occur as a result of the physical exertion associated with the use of the device and which cannot only make the device slippery, difficult to grip and unpleasant to use, but which can also result in an unhealthy bacterial growth.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that there remains a need for an exercise device for strengthening a user's targeted muscle; wherein the device is capable of being utilized by the user, such that a forceful grip is not required by the user; and wherein the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, wherein the body portions thereof are formed so as to be readily separable, so as to provide access to the weights disposed therein, wherein a keying means is provided to facilitate the assembly and the disassembly of the body portions and wherein means is provided for reducing the build-up of heat within the device, including the internal chambers thereof.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device for strengthening a user's targeted muscle which is capable of being utilized by the user thereof, such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

While not limited thereto, it is another object of the present invention to provide such an exercise device for strengthening a user's targeted muscles, including the abdominal region and extending thereabove, such as the biceps, triceps, forearm, deltoids and the pectoral muscles.

It is yet another object of the present invention to isolate the development of a targeted muscle by substantially eliminating the normal requirement for using the adjoining conjunctive muscles, thereby substantially improving the development of the targeted muscle.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide such a weight training device which facilitates the assembly and the disassembly thereof to provide ready access to the weights disposed therein for selectively changing the weight of, and the resistance provided by, the device.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide such a weight training device which reduces the build-up of heat within the device, including the internal chambers thereof which occurs as a result of the physical exertion associated with the use of the device.

The devices of the present invention, by virtue of their unique configuration, virtually eliminate the assistance of conjunctive muscles during the performance of many regimen exercises.

More specifically, the user is not required to grasp the device of the present invention. Rather, the device simply cradles the user's hand, and the device is so designed that the user's hand remains at all times in a comfortable and natural "at rest" position. The device of the present invention cannot be grasped by a handle, because there is no handle to grasp. As a result, there is an accelerated rate of achievement, and less time is spent on exercise while deriving full benefit.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an exercise device is disclosed in which a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the device, so that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially avoided, and whereby the user's targeted muscle is substantially strengthened. This device includes a housing of a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions. The housing has a weight means disposed therein. The opening is bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion. In this manner, the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing to be received in the exercise device with the user's hand disposed between the inner and outer walls. When inserted like this, at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall and the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of he outer wall. In this manner, a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the device, so that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially avoided. In this fashion, the user's targeted muscle is substantially strengthened.

In one embodiment, the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing portions have respective peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate. The inner wall of each housing portion has a plurality of ribs formed thereon, so that each of the ribs on one of the housing portions is positioned opposite a respective rib on the other of the housing portions. A plurality of the ribs formed on the one of the housing portions have a respective nipple formed thereon which extend towards the other of the housing portions. A plurality of the ribs formed on the other of the housing portions have a respective hole formed therein. In this fashion, when the respective peripheral edges of the inner walls of the housing mate, the nipples formed on the one of the housing portions are received in the respective holes formed in the other of the housing portions, so that the diametrically-opposed housing portions are joined to one another.

In a second embodiment, the exercise device includes at least one of the outer walls having at least one ventilation slot formed therein, whereby ventilation is provided within the housing. The inner wall has a cut-out, in the form of a scoop, formed therein. In this fashion, further ventilation within the housing is facilitated.

In a third embodiment, the exercise device includes the inner walls of each of the housing portions having respective annular peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate with one another forming an integral housing having a substantially smooth surface. The weight means has a pair of opposite ends, each of which has a blind axial bore formed therein. A pair of screws, each of which has a head formed thereon, is provided. The heads have respective indicia thereon of the weight disposed therein. Each screw is removably disposed through a respective housing portion and received in one of the respective blind axial bores formed in the opposite ends of the weight means. In this fashion, the heads of the screws are substantially flush with the surface of the housing.

In a fourth embodiment, the exercise device includes the outer wall having a recessed portion formed therein. A label bearing indicia thereon is disposed in the recessed portion. In this manner, the indicia is protected from being scraped or otherwise obliterated.

Preferably, the outer wall of the exercise device further has a flat portion formed thereon. The recessed portion is formed in the flat portion, whereby further protection of the indicia means on the label is provided.

In a fifth embodiment, the exercise device includes a pair of cushion pads which are disposed about the opening between the outer wall and the inner wall. In this fashion, the pads cushion the user's hand.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification, taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the exercise device of the present invention, illustrating one use of the device for strengthening the user's targeted muscle which, in this case, is the bicep.

FIG. 1A is a pictorial view of a conventional prior art dumbbell, illustrating its normal use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the exercise device, with parts thereof broken away and sectioned, to show the positioning of the user's hand therein between the relatively thin-walled housing and the cylindrical weight means mounted in the housing.

FIG. 4 is a section view, taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 3 and drawn to an enlarged scale, and showing the arcuate ribs between the complementary relatively thin-walled hemispherical housing portions.

FIG. 5 is a section view, taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 2, and showing the manner in which the cylindrical weight means is mounted between the complementary housing portions.

FIG. 6 is a section view, taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is another section view, corresponding substantially to FIG. 5, but showing several "filler" or "dummy" weights disposed in the cylinder.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows the positioning of the exercise device of the present invention upon a table (or other surface) so that the exercise device will not roll off the table.

FIG. 10 is a section view thereof, taken along lines 10--10 of FIG. 9, and drawn to an enlarged scale.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention, showing the padding disposed within the housing for providing a cushion for the hand of the user during use of the device.

FIGS. 12-20 are sequence views, illustrating the method for forming and assembling a preferred embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation of the body portion of the casing for the weight means, wherein the body portion is folded into a substantially flat shape for shipment.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the body portion of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the body portion of the casing, wherein the body portion is unfolded into a substantially cylindrical shape for use thereof during manufacture of the exercise device.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the unfolded cylindrical body portion, corresponding substantially to FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cylindrical body portion with a cap inserted on one end thereof and further with weights being disposed therein.

FIG. 17 is a further perspective view of the cylindrical body portion having all the weights disposed therein, further showing the insertion of a cap on the other end thereof.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cylindrical weight means being disposed in the respective concave inner recess of one of the hemispherical housing portions.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the other of the hemispherical housing portions, shown partially disposed over the other of the opposed ends of the cylindrical weight means.

FIG. 20 is still another perspective view, showing the hemispherical housing portion being assembled and almost completely covering the cylindrical weight means.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding substantially to that of FIG. 5, but showing a pair of circular discs separated by a dowel rod to form the cylindrical weight means within the housing.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding substantially to that of FIG. 5, but showing a weighted sleeve to form the cylindrical weight means within the housing.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

FIG. 25 illustrates how two of the exercise devices of the present invention may be used in combination with a telescoping bar therebetween to form an improved exercise device, the use of which is somewhat similar to that of a conventional barbell.

FIG. 26 is a section view (with parts thereof in elevation) taken along the lines 26--26 of FIG. 25, drawn to an enlarged scale, and showing the telescoping members of the bar.

FIG. 27 is a further section view, taken along the lines 27--27 of FIG. 25, drawn to an enlarged scale, and showing the coupling of one of the exercise devices of the present invention to the telescoping bar.

FIGS. 28-35 schematically illustrate various examples for use of the exercise devices of the present invention for the development and improvement of respective targeted muscles.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ends of the weight are removably secured to the housing portions by cap screws, respectively, and wherein the outer diameter of the weight may be changed to vary the weight of the exercise device.

FIG. 37 is a longitudinal cross-section of the weight means, taken along line 37--37 of FIG. 36 and drawn to an enlarged scale.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 in its assembled relationship, but with certain parts thereof broken away and sectioned, and further showing an alternate fastening means.

FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view thereof, taken along the lines 39--39 of FIG. 38 and drawn to an enlarged scale, and showing the tongue-and-groove mating relationship of the two hemispherical housing portions or shells along their respective annular peripheries.

FIG. 40 is a first elevational view of one of the housing portions or shells, as viewed from the lines 40--40 of FIG. 36 and drawn to an enlarged scale.

FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the insert of foam material with the positioning of the user's hand therein.

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the insert of the inflatable bladder with the positioning of the user's hand therein.

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the bladder containing liquid with the positioning of the user's hand therein.

FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to 25 show the insert pad on the outside wall with the positioning of the user's hand relative to the insert pad.

FIG. 45 is an enlarged partial section view of FIG. 42 showing a value disposed on the inflatable bladder.

FIG. 46 is an enlarged partial section view of FIG. 42 showing an aperture in the outer wall and a valve disposed in the inflatable bladder.

FIG. 47 is an enlarged partial section view of FIG. 42 showing a collapsible bellows pump attached to the inflatable bladder.

FIG. 48 is an enlarged partial section view of FIG. 42 showing a tube on the inflatable bladder for introduction of air into the bladder.

FIG. 49 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device showing a tongue-like form in the opening to form the insert of FIG. 41.

FIG. 50 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device showing a form in the opening to form the insert of FIG. 44.

FIG. 51 is an elevational view of one of the housing portions showing alternating tongue and groove segments on the peripheral edge of the housing portion.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the exercise device showing joining of the housing portions to engage the respective tongue and groove segments of the housing portion.

FIG. 53 is an enlarged cross section view of the cover on the cap screw.

FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the body portions thereof are formed with ventilation slots and with the disposition of the user's hand shown therein in phantom lines.

FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of one of the hemispherical body portions of the exercise device of FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the other of the hemispherical body portions of the exercise device of FIG. 54.

FIG. 58 is a cross section view taken along lines 58--58 of FIG. 55.

FIG. 59 is a cross section view taken along lines 59--59 of FIG. 56, enlarged for the sake of clarity, and illustrating the hole formed in the ribs of the one of the hemispherical body portions which make up part of the keying means of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a cross section view taken along lines 60--60 of FIG. 57, enlarged for the sake of clarity, and illustrating the nipple formed on the ribs of the other of the hemispherical body portions which make up part of the keying means of the present invention.

FIG. 61 is a section view taken along lines 61--61 of FIG. 55 and drawn to an enlarged scale and showing the mating of the nipple and ribs of FIGS. 59 and 60.

FIG. 62 is a section view taken along lines 62--62 of FIG. 54 and drawn to an enlarged scale for showing the manner, whereby the body portions are secured to the weight means and the hemispherical body portions are secured to one another for forming the substantially spherically-shaped body of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a section view, drawn to an enlarged scale, showing another tongue and groove arrangement formed about the peripheral edges of the hemispherical body portions for keying the body portions to one another and further showing the disposition of a cushion.

FIG. 64 is a side elevational view of the screw having marked thereon the weight disposed in the housing.

FIG. 65 is a side elevational view of a portion of the housing showing the label attached to the recessed portion formed thereon.

FIG. 66 is a section view taken along the lines 66--66 of FIG. 65.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated the exercise device 10 of the present invention for strengthening one of the user's targeted muscles (in this case, the bicep) such that a forceful grip is not required by the user. Such an arrangement substantially eliminates the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive muscles adjoining the bicep. In this manner, the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted bicep muscle is substantially reduced.

By comparison, and with reference to FIG. 1A, there is illustrated the use of a conventional dumbbell DB for strengthening the user's targeted muscle (again, in this case, the bicep). In using these conventional devices, such as a dumbbell, the user must forcefully grip the handle of the dumbbell. This gripping action has the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted bicep muscle, thereby substantially reducing the efficiency of the device.

The same concept is equally applicable to other targeted muscles, besides the bicep, consonant with the teachings of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the exercise device 10 includes a substantially-spherical relatively thin-walled housing 11 having a diametral axis designated at A. The housing 11 includes a pair of housing portions 11A and 11B joining at a common midplane B. Each of the housing portions 11A and lib is preferably substantially hemispherical and identical to one another; moreover, the housing halves 11A and 11B are molded from a suitable plastic material, such as a polycarbonate having relatively high impact strength. However, it will be expressly understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not so limited.

With this in mind, the housing 11 has a cut-away portion 12 formed therein. The housing further has an opening 13 formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing 11 and communicating with the cut-away portion 12. Through this opening 13, and as shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the hand of the user may be inserted into the housing 11 for use of the exercise device 10.

The housing 11 includes a suitable keying means between the pair of hemispherical portions 11A and 11B, whereby the hemispherical portions are retained together and form the substantially spherical housing 11. Preferably, and as shown more clearly in FIG. 4, this keying means includes an arcuate rib 14 formed on the peripheral edges of each of the housing portions 11A and 11B. These ribs 14 are complementary and are mated when the housing portions 11A and 11B are brought together to form the spherical housing 11. Thereafter, the edges of the housing portions 11A and 11B are glued, ultrasonically welded, or otherwise integrally joined with one another.

Each of the thin-walled housing portions 11A and 11B has a concave inner walled portion 15 forming a circular recess (for purposes hereinafter described).

With further reference to FIGS. 5-8, the weight means comprises a casing 16 disposed within the housing 11 and, preferably, substantially coincident with the diametral axis A of the housing 11 and at right angles to the common midplane B between the housing portions 11A and 11B. The casing 16 has a body portion 17, within which disc-shaped weights 18 and/or "dummy" weights or "fillers" 19 are disposed. Preferably, the casing 16 is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, it is to be understood that any suitable shape of the casing 16 may be employed (and other types of ballast may be employed other than the fillers 19) consonant with the teachings of the present invention. The body portion 17 of the casing 16 further has a pair of opposed ends 20, each of which is preferably open.

A cap 21 is disposed over each open end 20 of the casing 16. The caps 21 aid in retaining the selected weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 within the casing 16. If desired, the caps 21 may be omitted entirely, with either (or both) opposed end portions 20 being integrally sealed with a respective end wall, or with both ends 20 being left open.

Disposed in the casing 16 is the selected weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 which are desired to be lifted by the targeted muscle. It is preferred that each weight 18 be shaped substantially coincident with the shape of the interior of the casing 16, and particularly the body portion 17 thereof. If, as in the preferred embodiment, the casing is substantially cylindrical in shape, then each weight 18 and/or "filler" 19, is preferably substantially disc-shaped in appearance and is sized to be received within the body portion 17 of the casing 16. The weights 18 may be fabricated from lead, steel, sand enclosed in plastic, or any other suitable material.

The "dummy" weights or "fillers" 19 may be utilized in place of any one or several of the weights 18. Such "fillers" 19 are preferably fabricated from a foam plastic (or other suitable) material having substantially identical geometric proportions as the weights 18 themselves. By substituting any one or several "fillers" 19 for the "real" weights 18, the weight of the device 10 being lifted by the targeted muscle (the bicep, for example) may vary from substantially zero (wherein all "fillers" 19 and no weights 18 are utilized) to a maximum value (wherein all weights 18 and no "fillers" 19 are utilized).

It is to be understood that any suitable weight or weights may be employed consonant with the teachings of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, each of the weights 18 weighs 1.25 pounds. If the casing 16 is sized so as to receive eight (8) such 1.25 pound weights 18 therein, then no "fillers" 19 are employed, and basically, a ten (10 pound weight is obtained for the exercise device; and if only four (4) of the weights 18 are employed, then basically, a five (5) pound weight is obtained, in which case four (4) fillers 19 are employed as shown more clearly in FIG. 7. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary hemispherical housing halves 11A and 11B, together, weigh ten ounces (10 oz.) and, if desired, this weight may be taken into account in determining the weight of the overall exercise device 10. Moreover, if desired, a heavier weight may be chosen for the housing halves 11A and 11B.

While it is not necessary that such "fillers" 19 be utilized, the use of such "fillers" 19 aids in filling the interior of the casing 16, thereby preventing the weights 18 disposed therein from shifting during the use thereof. If such "fillers" 19 were not provided, then the weights 18 disposed therein may be subject to lateral movements (or "shifting") within the casing 16 during use of the device 10.

As noted herein, each of the hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B of the relatively thin-walled housing 11 is provided with a concave inner walled portion 15. Each of these concave inner portions 15 receives and supports a respective opposed end 20 of the casing 16 therein, when the hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B are joined to one another. Preferably, each of the opposed ends 20 is further supported on a respective internal annular shoulder 22 formed in each of the concave inner portions 15.

With reference again to FIG. 3, during use of the exercise device 10 of the present invention to strengthen the user's bicep (for example), the hand of the user is inserted through the opening 13 in the housing 11 and at least partially around the casing 16 radially thereof. In this manner, the user's hand is "cradled" in the hollow spherical housing 11, being at least partially disposed between the casing 16 and the relatively-thin wall of the housing 11. The palm of the user's hand is supported substantially against the convexly-formed inner walled portion 15A, such that the heel of the user's hand is supported substantially on the concave section 15B of the inner walled portion 15.

When utilized in this fashion, the user's hand at all times remains in a comfortable, natural "at rest" position. In such a manner, a forceful grip by the user is not required throughout the full range of motion of the exercise device 10, such that the necessity for employing the user's muscles which adjoin the bicep (the conjunctive muscles) is substantially reduced. As a result, the device 10 substantially reduces the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle (in this case, for example, the bicep).

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the outer surface of the housing 11 may, if desired, be truncated to form a flat surface 23 thereon. Provision of this flat surface 23 aids in preventing the device from rolling when the exercise device 10 is placed on a substantially flat surface, such as a table 23A as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

With reference to FIG. 11, in a preferred embodiment of the exercise device 10, a padding 24 (or other suitable means) may be disposed within the housing 11 and between the casing 16 and the housing 11. In this manner, a cushion is provided for the hand of the user which is disposed in the exercise device 10 during use thereof. Additional padding may be disposed within the housing 11, opposite to the padding 24, if desired. Further details of an embodiment having a cushion for the hand of the user are described in detail below and in FIGS. 41-50.

With reference to FIGS. 12-20, there is illustrated the sequence of steps comprising the preferred method for assembling and forming the exercise device 10 of the present invention.

Preferably, each of the hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B is molded from a relatively high-impact strength polycarbonate or other plastic or suitable material; and, as previously described, the hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B are formed as mirror images of each other. If desired, the casing 16 may be molded as a sleeve or tubing or else extruded; but in the preferred embodiment, the body portion 17 of the casing 16 comprises a flexible plastic sleeve which is folded flat for shipment (as shown more clearly in FIGS. 12 and 13) and then is unfolded (as shows more clearly in FIGS. 14 and 15) into a substantially cylindrical shape for use in the fabrication and assembly of the overall exercise device 10. The cylindrical body portion 17 is sold under the trademark "JETRAN" by SLM Manufacturing Corp. (of Somerset, N.J.). Caps 21 are formed for each respective open end of the cylindrical body portion 17.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the cylindrical body portion 17 of the casing 16 has a cap 21 disposed on one of the open opposed ends 20 thereof. The desired weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 are then received within the cylindrical body 17. The other cap 21 is then disposed on the other of the open opposed end portions 20 of the cylindrical body 17, whereby the weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 are retained in the cylinder. If desired, these caps 21 may be either removably disposed over each respective end portion 20, whereby the weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 are removably retained therein, or the caps 21 may be disposed over each respective end portion 20 and integrally secured in place therein, so that the weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 are permanently retained therein. It is to be noted that the caps 21 may be disposed over each of the end portions 20 in the order described above or a cap 21 may be placed over each respective end portion 20 after the desired weight 18 and/or "fillers" 19 have been disposed in the cylinder 17.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, the assembled cylindrical casing 16 with the weights 18 and/or fillers 19 therein then has one of the opposed ends 20 inserted into a respective concave inner portion 15 of one of the hemispherical housing portions 11A as shown more clearly in FIG. 18. There, the opposed end 20 is received on and abuts the internal annular shoulder 22, wherein the opposed end 20 of the cylindrical casing 16 is supported. Then the other of the opposed ends 20 is inserted into the other respective concave inner portion 15 of the other hemispherical housing portion 11B (as shown more clearly in FIGS. 19 and 20). There, the other opposed end 20 is received on and abuts the internal annular shoulder 22 therein, wherein the other opposed end 20 of the cylindrical casing 20 is supported.

The respective hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B are then aligned with one another and brought together, as shown in FIG. 20, such that the arcuate ribbed edges 14 of the hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B contact one another. The housing portions 11A and 11B are integrally joined together by a suitable adhesive, sonic or ultrasonic welding, or other suitable means. In this manner, a substantially spherical housing 11 having a single diametral axis and a single cut-away portion 12 is formed. The housing 11 further has a single opening 13 formed therein, substantially tangentially of the housing 11 and in communication with the cut-away portion 12 thereof for the hand of the user to be inserted during use, as herein described. If desired, the housing 11 could have a built-in cylindrical casing formed therein to receive the weights 18, etc., in which case a separate cylinder 17 would not be necessary.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, constituting a first alternate embodiment 10' of the present invention, a pair of disc-shaped weights 18' are separated by a cylindrical "dummy" block or dowel rod 25. The outer diameter ("O.D.") of the weights 18' and the dowel rod 25 remain substantially constant; however, the thickness of the disc-shaped weights 18' (and the length of the cylindrical dowel rod 25) may be changed to provide a heavier (or lighter) weight for the exercise device 10'. This accommodates a range of exercise devices of different weights, thus facilitating an entire product line using the same housing members 11A and 11B. Like the other embodiments of the present invention, this achieves market expansion and penetration consonant with manufacturing standardization.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, constituting a second alternate embodiment 10" of the present invention, a weight 18" comprising a single cylindrical sleeve is disposed between the respective housing portions 11A and 11B. The cylindrical weight 18" has a central bore 26 formed therein. Thus, the cylindrical weight 18" has a substantially constant length; but the bore 26 may have a variable diameter, thereby changing the effective weight thereof for accommodating a desirable product line of exercise devices 10".

With reference to FIGS. 25-27, a pair of exercise devices of the present invention may be suitably coupled together to form a barbell type of device.

More specifically, an exercise device 10'" is carried on the respective ends of a bar 27. The bar 27 includes telescoping bar members 27A and 27B. Bar member 27A is preferably tubular and has an axial bore 28 to receive a reduced-diameter portion 29 of bar member 27B, as shown more clearly in FIG. 26. Bar member 27A has four circumferentially-spaced slots 30 formed therein, and the outer diameter of bar member 27A is provided with external threads 31 radially of the slots 30. The reduced-diameter portion 29 of bar member 27B is slidably received in the axial bore formed in the tubular bar member 27A to the desired depth to adjust the length of the bar 27 to suit the convenience of the individual user. A clamping collar 32 is slidably carried by the bar member 27A and has an internal taper which is complementary to the external taper on the bar member 27A. The clamping collar 32 has internal threads 33 which engage the external threads 31 on the bar member 27A and exert a radially inwardly-directed pressure on the respective portions of bar member 27A intermediately of the circumferentially-spaced slots 30 formed thereon, thereby securely clamping the bar member 27A to the reduced-diameter portion 29 of the bar member 27B, and thereby retaining the bar 27 in its desired adjusted length. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other means for adjusting the length of the bar 27 may be employed consonant with the teachings of the present invention.

With further reference to FIG. 27, the exercise device 10'" includes housing halves 11C and lid integrally joined together at their peripheral ribbed edges 14, respectively, and exercise device 10'" carries a sleeve weight 18A having a bore 26. Housing half lid has an opening 34 to receive the bar member 27A, which is telescopically received concentrically within the sleeve weight 18A. The end of bar member 27A is threaded, as at 35, to cooperate with the internally-threaded boss 36 of a clamping disc 37. Clamping disc 37 has a conical or tapered side surface 38 which wedges within a complementary internally-tapered or conical opening 39 formed in housing half 11C. The tapered surface 38 of clamping disc 37 also wedges against an annular chamfered surface 40 formed on the sleeve weight 18A, thereby securely retaining the weight 18A within the housing halves 11C and 11D. The outer surface 41 of clamping disc 37 is formed as a portion of a sphere (as shown more clearly in FIG. 27) so that in the overall assembly, the outer surface 41 of clamping disc 37 forms a smooth continuation of the spherical contours of the exercise device 10'" and, more particularly, its housing half 11C. The bar member 27A also carries a slidable locking collar 42 provided with a set screw 43 having a thumb-actuated portion 44, thereby retaining the exercise device 10'" on the bar member 27A. Bar member 27B has a similar connection with exercise device 10'". With this arrangement, the exercise devices may be quickly and conveniently removed from the bar 27 and replaced with exercise devices having different weights, as desired, so that the full range of the dual exercise devices is facilitated.

With reference to FIGS. 28-35, the wide-ranging utility and application of the present invention to the accelerated development of various targeted muscles of the user, besides the bicep illustrated in FIG. 1, will be more readily appreciated. In FIGS. 28-35, the full lines illustrate the natural "at rest" positions, while the broken lines illustrate the stressed positions during use of the exercise device of the present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the respective representations of FIGS. 28-35 are illustrative of the present invention and not limiting thereof.

With this in mind, FIG. 28 and 29 illustrate the use of the exercise devices of the present invention for primarily developing and strengthening the chest muscles, as the user lies on a bench 45. FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate the use of the exercise devices for primarily strengthening the shoulder muscles; FIG. 32 for the back muscles; and FIGS. 33-35 are for the arm muscles. FIG. 30 is a front deltoid raise. FIG. 31 is a bent-over lateral raise; FIG. 32 is a one-arm latissimus row; FIG. 33 is an alternate bicep curl; FIG. 34 is a bicep concentration curl; and FIG. 35 is a tricep extension.

In each case, the user's specific targeted muscle is being developed and strengthened. Since it is not required to exert a firm grip or grasp on the improved exercise devices of the present invention, the use of the adjoining or conjunctive muscles is at least substantially reduced, if not eliminated altogether. Thus, a smaller overall weight may be employed in the exercise devices, yet the beneficial effect will be substantially magnified; and, in a preferred embodiment, the improved exercise devices of the present invention have a beneficial effect which is substantially equal to a conventional weight of approximately 3.5 times the weight of the exercise device of the present invention. Viewed in another aspect, it will be appreciated that with the same exercise time period, the beneficial effect of the exercise devices of the present invention will be substantially enhanced over the use of the conventional devices of the prior art; or, conversely a substantially reduced exercise time period may be employed to achieve approximately the same beneficial effect normally obtained by using a conventional device over a substantially larger exercise time period.

Moreover, with the same basic design, it is possible to manufacture and market a wide range of exercise devices of various respective weights. Thus, an entire product line has been facilitated for rapid development and market expansion and penetration, yet consonant with manufacturing standardization and relatively low-cost volume production methods.

Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the above invention. For example, the cylindrical casing 16 may be dispensed with (if desired) and complementary cylindrical casings could be integrally molded within the hemispherical housing portions 11A and 11B, such that the desired weights 18 (and/or fillers 19) may be received directly therein. Additionally, the housings for the exercise devices of the present invention may be made of a relatively soft or pliable material, thereby customizing the exercise devices for use by children or handicapped persons going through physical therapy. Indeed, it is even feasible, consonant with the teachings of the present invention, to integrally cast or otherwise suitably form the exercise devices of a substantially solid material (with or without an internal ballast) yet having the same tangential opening and convexo-concave inner wall or surface to accommodate the user's hand without requiring the user to exercise a forceful grip.

Referring to FIGS. 36-40, an alternate embodiment of the exercise devices of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment has improved strength and flexibility, incorporates all of the desirable features of the previous embodiment, and yet facilitates standardized manufacture of the devices with relatively large variations in weight being readily accommodated. In this alternate embodiment, the peripheral edges of the housing portions have a solid tongue-and-groove mating relationship with one another, and the respective housing portions are secured to respective opposite ends of the weight means.

Like the previous embodiments of the exercise devices described above, the exercise device 100 includes a housing 101 having a weight means disposed therein. Preferably, the wall thickness of this housing 101 is larger than the thickness of the housing wall of the previous embodiments.

As was described for the previous embodiments, a tangential opening 102 is formed in the housing 101. This opening 102 is bounded by an outer wall 103 and by an inner wall 104. Inner wall 104 has a convex portion 105, and outer wall 103 has a concave portion 106. The hand of the user may be inserted through the tangential opening such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls 103 and 104, respectively.

As previously described, the palm of the user's hand is disposed adjacent to the convex portion 105 of the inner wall 104, and the heel of the user's hand is disposed adjacent to the concave portion 106 of the outer wall 103. Thus, a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the exercise device 100, thereby substantially reducing the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles, which would (otherwise) have a tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

The opposite ends of the weight means 107 are removably secured to respective diametrically-opposed portions or shells 101A and 101B of the housing 101, and the peripheral annular edges of the respective housing portions 101A and 101B are held together in a solid mating relationship.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, preferably the weight means 107 comprises a single solid weight having a pair of opposite ends 108 and 109. It is contemplated herein that this weight 107 (like the cylinder 16 of, for example, FIG. 8) will be substantially cylindrical in cross-section. However, other configurations of the weight means 107 are equally applicable consonant with the teachings of the present invention. Preferably, each of the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weight 107 has a blind axial bore 110 formed therein. These opposite ends 108 and 109 are secured to the respective diametrically-opposed portions 101A and 101B of the housing 101 by a suitable fastening means.

The annular peripheral edges of the two molded hemispherical housing shells 101A and 101B join together along a common longitudinal midplane constituting the parting line of the housing 101, and the weight 107 is secured between the housing shells 101A and 101B transversely of the common longitudinal midplane therebetween.

The provision of the single weight 107 (secured directly to the housing portions 101A and 101B) eliminates potential slippage and shifting of the weight in the housing 101. Thus, the exercise device 100 has increased stability during the use thereof.

Having a single weight also standardizes the manufacture of the exercise devices. The effective quantity of the weight 107 may be varied by varying the outer diameter ("O.D.") thereof. In the previous embodiments (described above) the outer diameter of the weight means remains constant, with the effective quantity (or weight) of the weight means being varied by varying the inner diameter thereof. Altering of the inner diameter, or requiring the use of many more weights, is more expensive. In this respect, the use of the single solid weight 107 avoids manufacturing problems, provides standardization, and facilitates an improved product having greater reliability.

The means for securing each of the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weight 107 to the respective diametrically-opposed portions 101A and 101B of the housing 101 includes a pair of cap screws 111 (or other suitable fastening means). Each of the cap screws 111 is directly inserted and received in a respective bore 110 in the weight 107. These cap screws 111 may be self tapping (as shown in FIG. 36); however, if desired, a screw 112 may cooperate with an expandable anchor 113 which is inserted into the bore 110, as shown in FIG. 38. The anchor 113 expands as the screw 112 is received in the bore 110 in the weight 107. The screws (111 or 112) pass through apertures 114 in the housing portion 101A and 101B, respectively.

In this manner, the housing portions 101A and 101B of the housing 101 are removably secured to the opposite ends 108 and 109, respectively, of the weight 107, such that the housing portions 101A and 101B are removably secured to each other.

Each housing portion 101A and 101B has a plurality of radially-extending respective strengthening ribs (or struts) 115 formed thereon, as shown more clearly in FIG. 40. These struts 115 extend between the inner (convex) wall 104 and the outer (concave) wall 103 of each housing half 101A and 101B. Additionally, cross ribs 116 join the struts 115 (being integrally molded therewith) to provide additional radial and circumferential strength to the housing portions 101A and 101B. These struts 115 and cross ribs 116 are desirable where a particularly heavy weight (i.e. forty pounds or heavier) is disposed in the exercise device 100 (but may not be necessary where lighter weights are employed).

Referring to FIG. 39, in addition to FIG. 36, the housing portions 101A and 101B are keyed together by a tongue-and-groove arrangement, which permits the peripheral edges of the housing portions 101A and 101B to mate solidly with one another. In this arrangement, the annular peripheral edge of one of the housing portions 101A (or 101B) has an annular tongue 117 formed thereon; and the annular peripheral edge of the other of the housing portions 101B (or 101A) has a complementary annular groove 118 formed therein and sized so as to receive the tongue 117 therein in a mating relationship. This tongue-and-groove arrangement provides greater security against slippage or relative movement of the housing portions 101A and 101B relative to one another, especially when the exercise device 100 is under greater stress due to the use of heavier weights.

An internal wall 119 (see FIG. 36) limits the insertion of the user's hand in the exercise device 100 (similar to the internal wall shown in FIG. 3 of the previous embodiments). This internal wall 119 projects radially and joins the inner wall 104 to the outer wall 103.

Referring to FIGS. 41 to 44, an insert means 210 is provided in the opening 202 in the housing 201. The insert means 210 is disposed between the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The insert means 210, in at least one embodiment, is in contact with the inner wall 203 and the outer wall 204. In this embodiment, an opening 211 is formed in the insert means 210 whereby the user's hand may be received in the opening 211. In this manner, the insert 210 is disposed between at least the fingers and possibly a portion of the palm of the user's hand and the convex portion of the inner wall 204. The extent to which the palm of the user's hand is in contact with the inner wall 204 depends on the size of the user's hand and the manner in which the user's hand is inserted into the opening 202 in the exercise device. The insert 211 is also disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall 203. The insert 210 may be a plastic foam type of material and preferably, is a high density urethane foam. The insert 210 substantially covers the user's hand during use of the device and provides a comfortable cushion for the user's hand.

The insert 210 also may be removable. This provides several additional useful features for the device. A removable insert 210 may be cleaned or sterilized for hygienic reasons which is very important in those facilities where the exercise means may be used by more than one person. Even when used by the same person, it would be beneficial to remove the insert for periodic cleaning. Also, a removable insert 210 allows for replacement when the insert is damaged or when the exercise device may be used by persons having hands which are significantly different in size from the other hands of other persons using the device. It is possible to obtain an insert 210 of a size or thickness which is most comfortable for the hand of the individual user.

A preferred embodiment to permit removal of the insert 210 provides a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 215 on the outer wall 203, the protrusions 215 extending toward the inner wall 204. The insert 210 is provided with a corresponding plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein. The apertures 216 receive the protrusions 215 and retain the insert 210 within the opening 202. Alternately, the apertures may be formed in the outer wall 203 and the protrusions formed on the insert 210 to permit the insert 210 to be retained in the opening 202.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 42, the insert means 210 may be an inflatable bladder 212 which may be disposed in the opening 202 in the device 200 between the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The inflatable bladder 212 contacts the walls 203, 204 and has an opening 211 therein to receive the user's hand. The inflatable bladder 212 is thereby disposed between at least the fingers, and possibly a portion of the palm of the user's hand, and the convex portion of the inner wall 204. The inflatable bladder 212 is also disposed between the back of he user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall 203. The inflatable bladder 212 may be inflated with gas, such as air, to a desired level. When so inflated, the inflatable bladder 212 substantially conforms to the user's hand. In this manner, the means 210 may be individually varied to provide the most comfortable fit for the user's hand and is adaptable to a wide variation in the size of the hand. Further, the opening 211 in the inflatable bladder 212 may be washed, or cleaned by other means, for hygienic purposes.

Means are also provided to inflate the bladder 212. A preferred means is a valve 217 disposed in the bladder such that a source of air pressure may be connected to the valve to introduce air into the inflated bladder 212 (FIG. 45). This valve 217 may be of the type used in the bicycle tire or toy which is inflated with a hand pump (the source of air pressure). Such valves are well known to person's skilled in the art. Alternatively, (FIG. 46) the valve 217 may be disposed on the inflatable bladder 212 to cooperate with an aperture 220 in the outer wall 203 of the housing 201 such that the source of air pressure may be connected to the valve 217 through the aperture 220 in the outer wall 203.

In still another embodiment (FIG. 47), a compact bellows type pump 218, which is manually operated, is disposed on the inflatable bladder 212. This may be a plastic bellows type pump which may be folded against the inflatable bladder 212 to be available when needed. Referring to FIG. 48, another means of inflating the bladder 212 is a tube 219 attached to the bladder 216 and communicating therewith. The tube 219 may be placed in the user's mouth and the bladder inflated with air from the user's lungs. Means are provided to prevent the air from exiting the tube and deflating the bladder 212. This type of inflation means is similar to that used with a beach ball. The tube 219 may be folded and received in a depression formed in the bladder 212 so as to be inconspicuous and ready for immediate use. The inflation means shown in FIGS. 45-48 are simple, economical to manufacture and are sufficiently small as to be compatible with the exercise device.

The inflatable bladder 212 has an edge which is disposed about the opening 202 of the device 200. The edge of the bladder 212 is adhered (by an adhesive 221) about the opening 202 of the device 200 so as to fully seal the bladder 212 to the opening 202 and prevent deflation of the bladder 212. Other means known to persons skilled in the art may be used to seal the edge of the bladder 212 to the opening 202 to prevent deflation of the inflatable bladder 212.

In still another embodiment (FIG. 43) the insert means 210 is a bladder 213 having a liquid contained therein. The bladder containing the liquid 213 is disposed in the opening 202 in the device 200 between the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The bladder containing the liquid 213 contacts the walls 203, 204 and has an opening 214 therein to receive the user's hand. The bladder containing the liquid 213 is thereby disposed between at least the fingers, and possibly a portion of the palm of the user's hand, and the convex portion of the inner wall 204. The bladder containing the liquid 213 is also disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall 203. The bladder containing liquid 213 substantially conforms to the user's hand during use of the device 200. The liquid 223 contained in the bladder may be water, silicone, a gel or any other viscous material (known to persons skilled in the art) which may be stable, pliable and relatively inexpensive. The bladder containing the liquid 213 has an edge which is disposed about the opening 202 of the device 200. The edge of the bladder containing the liquid 213 is adhered (by an adhesive 221) about the opening 202 between the inner wall 204 and the outer wall 203 of the device 200 to retain the bladder containing the liquid 213 in the opening 202. Further, the opening 214 in the bladder containing the liquid 213 may be washed, or cleaned by other means, for hygienic purposes.

The means 210 (foam insert, the inflatable bladder insert 5 and the bladder containing liquid) may have a fabric cover disposed between the insert means 210 and the user's hand such that the fabric cover may be cleaned and replaced.

Another embodiment of the insert means 210 is shown in FIG. 4. A single insert pad 222 is attached to the outer wall 203 of the device 200 such that the back of the user's hand is substantially in contact with the insert pad 222. Preferably, the insert pad 222 is a high density urethane foam material. The insert pad has a thickness which may be selected to provide the comfort required for the size of the individual user's hand. The insert pad 222 may be adhered to the outer wall 203 by adhesive or other means known to those skilled in the art.

In all of the above described insert means 210, the color of the insert means 210 may be selected as desired. Colored inserts may be used to identify the exercise device belonging to a specific individual or organization.

Referring to FIG. 49, the plastic foam insert means 210 may be fabricated by placing a tongue-like form 225 in the opening 202 defined by the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The tongue-like form 225 is spaced apart from the inner wall 204 and also from the outer wall 203. A space 226 is formed between the tongue-like form 225 and the inner wall 204 which communicates with the space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the outer wall 203. A foam material such as high density urethane is disposed in the space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the outer wall 203 and the communicating space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the inner wall 204. The space 226 is completely filled with the foam material. The foam material is cured (allowed to "set-up") and the tongue-like form 225 is removed from the opening 202. In this manner, the insert means 210 is formed on the inner wall 204 and the outer wall 203 of the opening 202 in the exercise device such that the user's hand may be received in the opening from which the tongue-like form 225 was removed. The dimensions of the tongue-like form 225 determine the thickness and configuration of the insert means 210. Thus, a tongue-like form 225 which occupies a greater volume in the opening 202 such that the space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the walls 203, 204 is reduced, produces an insert means 210 which has reduced thickness and is more comfortable for a user having a larger hand. Conversely, a tongue-like form 225 occupying a smaller volume, and hence an increased space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the walls 203, 204, is preferred for a user having a smaller hand. If a colored insert means 210 is desired, the desired color can be introduced into the foam material.

Referring to FIG. 50, the pad insert means 222 may be fabricated by placing a form 227 in the opening 202. The form 227 is in contact with the inner wall 204 and spaced apart from the outer wall 203 forming a space 228 between the form 227 and the outer wall 203. A foam material is disposed in the space 228 between the form 227 and the outer wall 203 such that the space 228 is completely filled with foam material. The foam material is cured and the form 227 is removed from the opening 202. Thus, an insert pad 222 is formed in contact with the outer wall 203 such that the back of the user's hand rests against the insert pad 222 which acts as a cushion for the user's hand. The thickness of the insert pad 222 is determined by the dimensions of the form 227, a thicker insert pad 222 being obtained with a thinner form 227 and a thinner insert pad 227 being obtained with a thicker form 227. The thickness of the insert pad 227 is selected to cushion the user's hand more effectively. Color may be added to the foam material if desired, to produce a colored insert pad 227. Also, adhesive material may be disposed on the outer wall 203 prior to introducing the foam material in order to more effectively retain the insert pad 227 against the outer wall 203.

As a further aid in comfort in using the device and for improved contact between the palm of the user's hand and the exercise device 200, the convex portion of the inner wall 204, if desired, may have a textured surface 234 thereon (FIG. 44).

As previously described and as shown in FIGS. 36 and 39, the housing portions may be mated by a tongue and groove arrangement. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, the housing portions 230 and 231 may have a plurality of segments formed on the peripheral edges of the respective housing portions 230, 231. Each segment alternately has a tongue 232 formed thereon and a groove 233 formed thereon. The configuration of the alternating tongue segment 232 and groove segment 233 in the one of the housing portions 230 is the reverse of the configuration of the tongue segment 232 and the groove segment 233 in the other of the housing portions 231. As seen in FIG. 52 when the respective peripheral edges of the housing portions 230, 231 mate, the tongue segments 232 in the respective segments of the one of the housing portions 230 is received in the groove segments 233 of the other of the housing portions in a mating relationship. Also, the tongue 232 in the respective segments of the other of the housing portions 231 is received in the groove 233 in the respective segment of the one of the housing portions 230 in a mating relationship. This arrangement provides improved security against slippage or relative movement of the housing portions 230 and 231 with respect to one another.

In still a further embodiment, when the housing portions 230 and 231 mate to form an integral housing, the integral housing has a substantially smooth surface. The weight is secured in the housing by a pair of cap screws 235 which are inserted in and received by a respective bore 236 in the weight. The cap screws 235 may be self tapping or any type previously described. As shown in FIG. 53, a cover 237 is removably mounted on each cap screw 235 such that the covers 237 are substantially flush with the surface of the housing. This may be achieved by having a beveled opening in the housing 230, 231 into which the cover 237 may be disposed. The cover may be disposed in the opening by a pressure fit. It is recognized by those skilled in the art that other means for placing the cover in the opening may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 54-63, yet further alternative embodiments of the exercise device 100 of the present invention are illustrated. In these embodiments, a keying means is provided for providing easy assembly and disassembly of the complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions. Further in these embodiments, means is provided for facilitating the flow of air through the interior of the device, including the internal chambers thereof.

Like the previous embodiments of the exercise devices described above, the exercise device 100 of these embodiments include a housing 101 having a weight means 107 disposed therein. The housing 101 is comprised of a pair of mating diametrically-opposed hemispherical portions 101A and 101B.

As was described for the previous embodiments, a tangential opening 102 is formed in the housing 101. This opening 102 is bounded by an outer wall 103 and by an inner wall 104. The inner wall 104 has a convex portion 105, and the outer wall 103 has a concave portion 106. The hand of the user may be inserted through the tangential opening 102, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls 103 and 104, respectively.

The inner wall 104 limits the insertion of the user's hand in the exercise device 100. This inner wall 104 projects radially and the ends of which are joined to the outer wall 103.

With particular reference now to FIG. 54, as was described above for the previous embodiments, during use of the exercise device 100 of the present invention, the palm of the user's hand is disposed adjacent to the convex portion 105 of the inner wall 104, and the heel of the user's hand is disposed adjacent to the concave portion 106 of the outer wall 103. Thus, a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the exercise device 100, thereby substantially reducing the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles, which would (otherwise) have a tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 55, 58 and 62, as with the previous embodiments, the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weight means 107 are removably secured to the respective diametrically-opposed portions or shells 101A and 101B of the housing 101, and the peripheral annular edges of the respective housing portions 101A and 101B are held together in a solid mating relationship.

The weight means 107 preferably comprises a single solid weight having a pair of opposite ends 108 and 109. It is contemplated herein that this weight 107 (like the cylinder 16 of, for example, FIG. 8) will be substantially cylindrical in cross-section. However, other configurations of the weight means 107 are equally applicable consonant with the teachings of the present invention.

The provision of the single weight 107 (secured directly to the housing portions 101A and 101B in the manner that shall be discussed at length below) eliminates potential slippage and shifting of the weight in the housing 101. Thus, the exercise device 100 has increased stability during the use thereof. The provision of a single weight also standardizes the manufacture of the exercise devices.

It is further preferred that each of the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weight 107 have respective blind axial bores 110 formed therein. These opposite ends 108 and 109 are secured to the respective diametrically-opposed portions 101A and 101B of the housing 101 by a suitable fastening means.

The means for securing each of the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weight 107 to the respective diametrically-opposed portions 101A and 101B of the housing includes a pair of screws 111 (or other suitable fastening means). Each of the screws 111 pass through respective apertures 114 formed in the housing portions 101A and 101B, respectively (see FIG. 58) being then directly inserted into and received in a respective bore 110 formed in the terminal ends of the weight 107. These screws 111 may be self-tapping or the may be formed so as to have threads thereon that threadingly engage and mate with corresponding threads formed in the bores 110.

Each screw 111 includes a respective head 309 formed thereon. Formed on each of the heads 309 of the screws 111 is a weight (5, 7 1/2 or 10 pounds) of the weight means 107 that is disposed in the housing 101, being held in place by the screws 111. This may be done by impressing or otherwise printing the indicia 310 (either in words and/or numerals). In this manner, a user of the device may easily and quickly know the weight of the weight 107 disposed in the device by a cursory visual examination of the indicia 310 on the heads 309 of the screws 111 (FIG. 64).

It is noted that when the housing portions 101A and 101B mate to form an integral housing 101, the integral housing 101 has a substantially smooth exterior surface. In this respect, the head of the screws 111 are positioned so as to be flush with the exterior surface of the housing shells 101A and 101B. The weight 107 is secured in the housing 101 by the pair of screws 111 which are inserted in and received by the respective bores 110 formed in the weight 107, as was discussed above.

In the above manner, the housing portions 101A and 101B of the housing 101 are removably secured to the opposite ends 108 and 109, respectively, of the weight 107, such that the housing portions 101A and 101B are removably secured to each other.

When assembled, the annular peripheral edges of both the outer walls 103 and the inner walls 104 of the two molded hemispherical housing shells 101A and 101B are joined together along a common longitudinal midplane. This midplane constitutes the parting line of the housing 101. The weight 107 is secured between the housing shells 101A and 101B transversely of the common longitudinal midplane therebetween.

In the embodiments seen in FIGS. 54-63, the keying means for facilitation of the assembly and disassembly of the housing portions 101A and 101B is now discussed.

Referring in particular now to FIGS. 55-57, and with further reference to FIG. 63, the first of the keying means is illustrated. This first of the keying means is comprised of the peripheral edges of the outer walls 103 of the housing portions 101A and 101B being keyed together by a tongue-and-groove arrangement. This arrangement permits the peripheral edges of the outer walls 103 of the housing portions 101A and 101B to mate solidly with one another.

In this arrangement, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 63, the annular peripheral edge of one of the housing portions 101A (or 101B) has a plurality of annular tongues 306 formed thereon (or a single continuous annular tongue). Similarly, the annular peripheral edge of the other of the housing portions 101B (or 101A) has a plurality of complementary grooves 307 formed thereon (or a singular annular groove). Each of the grooves 307 is sized, so as to receive one of the respective tongues 306 therein in a mating relationship.

It is also possible that, if desired, the annular peripheral edges of both of the housing portions 101A and 101B may be formed so as to have a plurality of alternating annular tongues 306 and grooves 307 formed thereon. In this manner, when the respective peripheral edges of the housing portions 101A and 101B mate with one another, the tongue segments 306 of the one of the housing portions 101A are received in respective groove segments 307 of the other of the housing portions 101B while the tongue segments 306 of the other of the housing portions 101B are received in the respective groove segments 307 of the one of the housing portions 101A in a mating relationship.

This tongue-and-groove arrangement provides greater security against slippage or relative movement of the housing portions 101A and 101B relative to one another, especially when the exercise device 100 is under greater stress due to the use of heavier weight.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 59-61, the additional keying means for facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the housing portions 101A and 101B is now discussed.

The additional keying means is seen to include a nipple-and-hole arrangement that are formed on a plurality of ribs 301 that are formed on the inner walls 104 of each of the pair of housing portions 101A and 101B.

In this arrangement, a plurality of ribs 301 are formed on the inner walls 104 of the two housing portions 101A and 101B, which ribs 301 terminate at the peripheral edge of the inner wall 104 on which they are formed. Each rib 301 on one of the housing portions 101A or 101B is positioned so as to be opposite a respective rib 301 formed on the other of the housing portions 101A or 101B.

A plurality of the ribs 301 formed on the housing portions 101A and 101B have one of either mating nipples 302 and holes 303 formed thereon. The respective nipples 302 formed on the ribs 301 extend outwardly therefrom towards the other of the housing portions 101B (or 101A). The respective holes 303 formed on the ribs 301 are oriented towards the one of the housing portions 101A (or 101B). Each of the holes 303 is sized, so as to receive a respective nipple 302 therein in a mating relationship. In this manner, when the respective peripheral edges of the inner walls 104 of the housing 101 mate, the nipples 302 formed on the ribs 301 of the one of the housing portions 101A or 101B are received in the respective holes 303 formed in the ribs 301 of the other of the housing portions 101A or 101B, so that the diametrically-opposed housing portions 101A and 101B are joined to one another.

It is noted that this nipple-and-hole arrangement provides yet greater security against slippage or relative movement of the housing portions 101A and 101B relative to one another, especially when the exercise device 100 is under greater stress due to the use of heavier weight.

It is also possible that, if desired, the ribs 301 may be formed, so that alternating nipples 302 and holes 303 are formed thereon. In this manner, when the respective peripheral edges of the housing portions 101A and 101B mate with one another, the nipples 302 of the one of the housing portions 101A are received in respective holes 303 of the other of the housing portions 101B while the nipples 302 of the other of the housing portions 101B are received in the respective holes 303 of the one of the housing portions 101A in a mating relationship.

Also illustrated in the embodiments seen in FIGS. 54-63, is the means for facilitating the flow of air through the device, including the internal chambers thereof. Such means includes ventilation slots 304 and/or cut-outs 305. In this manner, gaseous communication between the internal chambers of the device 100 and the outside ambient environment is further facilitated.

The ventilation slots 304 are formed in the outer walls 103 of the complementary housing portions 101A and 101B of the exercise device 100. Preferably, the outer wall 103 of each housing portion 101A and 101B as at least one such ventilation slot 304 formed therein. It is further preferred that the outer wall 103 of each housing portion 101A and 101B have at least two such ventilation slots 304 formed therein. If desired, each of these outer walls 103 may have a plurality of such ventilation slots 304 formed therein.

As can perhaps be best seen in FIGS. 55-57, the cut-out 305 is formed in the inner wall 104, substantially adjacent to the outer wall 103. Preferably, this cut-out 305 is in the form of a scoop.

Provided as noted above, the provision of the slots 304 and the cut-outs 305 provide for a flow of air through the device 100 in order to reduce the build-up of heat that can easily occur within as a result of the physical exertion associated with the use of the device. The build-up of such heat can result in the user's sweating which can make the device difficult to hold and unpleasant to use and which can also result in bacterial growth occurring therein.

The outer wall 103 of the device 101 is substantially smooth and rounded, so that when the two halves 101A and 101B are joined to one another, a substantially spherical shell is formed. However, it is further presented to form the outer wall 103, so that the said wall 103 has a recessed portion 311 formed therein. The provision of such a recessed portion 310 provides a place wherein a label bearing an indicia 312 thereon may be disposed. In this manner, the indicia 312 in the recessed portion 311 is protected from being obliterated by being scraped or otherwise rubbed off by contact with, for example, the surface of a table or floor (FIGS. 65 and 66).

It is preferred that this recessed portion 311 be formed in the flat surface 23 that is formed on the outer (exterior) surface of the housing. In this fashion, the indicia 312 is further protected from contact that may rub off or otherwise obliterate the information on the indicia 312.

The indicia 312 may have any instruction, designation, trademark or other information whatsoever printed thereon. This indicia 312 may be stamped directly onto the surface of the outer wall 103, within the recessed portion 311, or it may be a separate element, such as an adhesive sticker which is affixed to the exterior surface of the outer wall 103 within the recessed portion.

Referring now to FIGS. 53-63 pad(s) 308 is (are) provided at the opening 102 in the housing 101. Positioned thusly, the pads 308 are attached to, respectively, the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 103 of the device 100. This may be achieved by the use of adhesive or any other suitable means well known to those skilled in the art. In this fashion, when the user's hand is inserted into the opening 102 having the cushion 308 disposed therein, the cushion 308 is disposed between the palm of the user's hand and the convex portion 105 of the inner wall 104 and the cushion 308 is disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion 106 of the outer wall 103.

This cushion 308 may be fabricated from a plastic foam type of material such as, preferably, a high density urethane foam. The cushion 308 has a thickness which may be selected to provide the comfort required for the size of the individual user's hand. The cushion 308 substantially covers the user's hand during use of the device 100 and provides a comfortable cushion for the user's hand.

The color of the cushions 308 may be selected or varied as desired. Colored cushions may be used to identify the exercise device as belonging to a specific individual or organization.

It is preferred that the cushion 308 include an anti-bacterial ingredient, well known to those skilled in the art. The inclusion of such an anti-bacterial ingredient would prevent the spreading of bacteria that may be on the user's hand from spreading about the interior of the device, which spreading would be facilitated by the build-up of heat and humidity within the device due to the use thereof.

As a further aid in comfort in using the device and for improved contact between the palm of the user's hand and the exercise device 100, the convex portion 105 of the inner wall 104, if desired, may have a textured surface thereon.

Having thus described the invention, it will be accordingly appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device comprised of a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein, and further having an opening formed therein, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing to be received in the exercise device with the user's hand disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and further such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the device, so that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially avoided, and whereby the user's targeted muscle is substantially strengthened, the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing portions having respective peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate, the inner wall of each housing portion having a plurality of ribs formed thereon, so that each of the ribs on one of the housing portions is positioned opposite a respective rib on the other of the housing portions, a plurality of the ribs formed on the one of the housing portions having a respective nipple formed thereon extending towards the other of the housing portions, and a plurality of the ribs formed on the other of the housing portions having a respective hole formed therein, whereby when the respective peripheral edges of the inner walls of the housing mate, the nipples formed on the ribs of the one of the housing portions are received in the respective holes formed in the ribs of the other of the housing portions, so that the diametrically-opposed housing portions are keyed to one another.

2. An exercise device comprised of a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein, and further having an opening formed therein, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing to be received in the exercise device with the user's hand disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and further such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the device, so that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially avoided, and whereby the user's targeted muscle is substantially strengthened, at least one of the outer walls having at least one ventilation slot formed therein, whereby ventilation is provided within the housing, and the inner wall having a cut-out formed therein, whereby further ventilation within the housing is facilitated.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein each of the diametrically-opposed housing portions having at least two ventilation slots formed therein, whereby still further ventilation is provided within the housing.

4. An exercise device comprised of a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein, and further having an opening formed therein, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing to be received in the exercise device with the user's hand disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and further such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the device, so that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially avoided, and whereby the user's targeted muscle is substantially strengthened, at least one of the outer walls having at least one ventilation slot formed therein, whereby ventilation is provided within the housing, and the inner wall having a cut-out formed therein, whereby further ventilation within the housing is facilitated, wherein the cut-out is a scoop.

5. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising at least one of the diametrically-opposed housing portions having two ventilation slots formed therein, whereby further ventilation is provided within the housing.

6. The improvement of claim 2, further comprised of each of the diametrically-opposed housing portions having a plurality of ventilation slots formed therein, whereby further ventilation is provided within the housing.

7. An exercise device comprising a housing including a pair of complementary semi-spherical housing portions, a weight means disposed in the housing, the housing further having an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user, and whereby the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, the inner walls of each of the housing portions having respective annular peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate with one another forming an integral housing having a substantially smooth surface, the weight means having a pair of opposite ends, each of opposite ends having a blind axial bore formed therein, a pair of screws having respective heads formed thereon, each of the screws has a head having an indicia thereon of the weight disposed therein, each screw being removably disposed through a respective housing portion and received in one of the respective blind axial bores formed in the opposite ends of the weight means, so as to be substantially flush with the surface of the housing.

8. An exercise device comprised of a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein, and further having an opening formed therein, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing to be received in the exercise device with the user's hand disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and further such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the device, so that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially avoided, and whereby the user's targeted muscle is substantially strengthened, the outer wall having a substantially-flat facet formed thereon, so that the exercise device may be positioned on a table or the like and prevented from rolling, the facet having a recessed portion formed therein, and a label bearing indicia thereon being disposed in the recessed portion of the facet, such that the label is protected from being scraped or otherwise obliterated.

9. An exercise device comprising a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein, and further having an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user, and further whereby the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, and the weight means having a pair of opposite ends, each of which is secured to a respective housing portion, and a pair of cushion pads disposed about the opening between the outer wall and the inner wall, one of the pads being positioned on the concave portion of the outer wall, and the other pad being positioned on the convex portion of the inner wall, thereby cushioning the user's hand.

10. In an exercise device, the combination of a substantially-spherical housing including a pair of complementary semi-spherical housing shells joined together along a common midplane diametrically of the spherical housing, each of the shells further having an inner wall provided with a plurality of spaced-apart ribs disposed substantially perpendicular to the common midplane between the housing shells, and means for keying the ribs on one of the housing shells to the corresponding ribs on the other housing shell, thereby improving the structural integrity of the exercise device. semi-spherical housing shells joined together along a common midplane diametrically of the spherical housing, each of the shells further having an inner wall provided with a plurality of spaced-apart ribs disposed substantially perpendicular to the common midplane between the housing shells, means for keying the ribs on one of the housing shells to the corresponding ribs on the other housing shell, thereby improving the structural integrity of the exercise device, at least one of the outer walls having at least one ventilation slot formed therein, whereby ventilation is provided within the housing, and the inner wall having a cut-out formed therein, whereby further ventilation within the housing is facilitated.

11. In an exercise device, the combination of a substantially-spherical housing including a pair of complementary semi-spherical housing shells joined together along a common midplane diametrically of the spherical housing, each of the shells further having an inner wall provided with a plurality of spaced-apart ribs disposed substantially perpendicular to the common midplane between the housing shells, means for keying the ribs on one of the housing shells to the corresponding ribs on the other housing shell, thereby improving the structural integrity of the exercise device, at least one of the outer walls having at least one ventilation slot formed therein, whereby ventilation is provided within the housing, and the inner wall having a cut-out formed therein, whereby further ventilation within the housing is facilitated.

Patent Citations (1)

Patent	Date	Inventor	Cited By
US4989267	1991-02-01	Watson

Abstract

Description